Peru is one of the world’s great forest nations

Around 13% of the entire Amazon rainforest is situated within Peru’s borders - approximately 68million hectares. The majority of the country’s forest lies in the Loreto region in the north-east.

The Peruvian government has made serious efforts to protect its natural resources and wildlife whilst stimulating its forest industry through the allocation of concessions for sustainable forest management under Forestry Law 27308 of 2002. This legislation was drawn up in consultation with foreign trading partners and international NGOs and defines conservation land, community land, and forest concessions. It was designed to regulate extraction volumes thereby ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the forest.

The forest products industry in Peru is under-developed in comparison with its neighbour, Brazil, and Peru is a net importer of forest products.

Peru’s economy has shown impressive growth in recent years. In 2008 GDP grew at a rate of 9.8% - the 11th highest in the world. Inflation is low at 2.9% (2009) and Peru has a balance of payments surplus. The country’s credit ratings are BBB- (Fitch), BBB- (S&P), Baa3 (Moody’s).