In recent years, the creation of industrial parks as territorial spaces where a series of activities are grouped in order to improve logistical processes, raise competitiveness and generate energy savings has started to become increasingly important worldwide including Latin America. 

In order to share experiences and identify the opportunities and threats faced by sustainable industrial parks as tools within an industrial development plan, Universidad del Pacífico, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), GEA Group and the Ministry of Production held the International Congress on Industrial Parks on May 25 at Universidad del Pacífico Juan Julio Wicht Auditorium. 

During his inaugural speech, the Vice Minister of MSEs and Industry, Universidad del Pacífico economist Juan Carlos Mathews, explained the features and benefits that the new concept of sustainable industrial park proposes against the current environment: "The parks aim to generate competitiveness not only through connectivity, relying on logistics concentrated in one place, whether a port or airport; the concept includes other industry-related services and responds to international demands such as traceability, sustainability and circular economy" he said. 

Also, Mathews explained what his office has been doing to assist small entrepreneurs in training issues with the installation of seven Business Development Centers (CDE), 20 of which will be installed in 30 days. 

For César Barahona, UNIDO Industrial Parks consultant, there must be certain conditions for the implementation of an industrial park, which should be related to the geographic context in which the project is intended to be developed. 

"The activities in these areas require large investments by the government and the private sector. If we assign an area for an industrial park we will have to create conditions for companies to settle. Before starting these initiatives we will have to do an analysis, for example channel the education of the zone towards the industrial demand" said Barahona. 

The International Congress on Industrial Parks brought together delegates from more than ten countries, as well as government and private sector officials involved in the development of initiatives on the subject. Among the attendees were Marcos Alegre, Vice Minister of Environmental Management of MINAM; Rafael Lorenzini, international consultant; Ariel Carbajal, President of the Latin American RECP Network and Petra Schwager, PCP Coordinator, UNIDO.