Peru Moves to Revive Long-Stalled Southern Gas Pipeline Project
A major natural gas infrastructure project in Peru could be moving forward again after years of delays, signaling a potential shift for the country's energy and industrial sectors.
Peru's government plans to move forward with the long-delayed Southern Gas Pipeline project, a development President Jose Maria Balcazar said could help boost economic growth and infrastructure investment across the country's southern regions, as reported by Andina.
Speaking during an event marking the anniversary of Peru's National Society of Industries, Balcazar said the government expects to "unblock" the project this week as part of a broader effort to advance infrastructure developments that have remained stalled for years.
The Southern Gas Pipeline has long been considered a strategic energy project for transporting natural gas to southern Peru, where officials have sought to expand energy access, encourage industrial development and support regional economic growth.
The president said his administration has been reviewing delayed infrastructure projects throughout the country and prioritizing those viewed as critical to regional development. He cited previously stalled water and airport projects in the Puno region that have since advanced under the government's investment agenda.
According to Andina, Balcazar also emphasized the importance of public and private investment in reducing regional disparities, creating jobs and strengthening the state's presence in underserved areas of the country.
The president said Peru should continue pursuing greater industrial development and value-added manufacturing rather than relying primarily on exports of raw materials.
As reported by Andina, Balcazar encouraged business and industrial groups to play a larger role in shaping public policy and supporting long-term economic development initiatives.
Additional details regarding the government's plans for the Southern Gas Pipeline project were not immediately released.