The nervy political and business situation in Peru abated as soon as the forecast of an Alan Garcia win at the run-in for president was confirmed by the National Election Office. At last the country was allowed to breathe a sigh of relief when nationalist and neo fascist candidate Ollanta Humala acknowledged defeat.

To his credit Alan Garcia, who had a disastrous administration in ’85-’90 that practically destroyed the Peruvian economy and investment with gross errors of judgement, called for a government of inclusion, where technocrats of all political colours could assist his efforts to carry on the economic resurgence of a country showing growth of around 6% annually.

As exports continue to outperform previous years with some 200% increase year on, Garcia knows that the APRA card-carrying patronage that blighted his first administration must be a thing of the past. Although his supporters were surely expecting a bounty of promises during the impromptu celebration last night outside party headquarters in downtown Lima, Garcia asked for a government of austerity, evoking JFK’s call to Americans and asking his followers what they could do for Peru.

As new intentions go, the time is right for Peru’s president elect to resolve the current disorder in the local gaming industry, which was brought about by government legislators and functionaries ignorant of the industry and its needs. Fortunately for the country, there is now a wealth of expertise that has the ear of elected legislators and the incoming executive, who are sure to listen to proposals for investment in the gaming and tourist industries.

For a start, a US$30 million gaming hotel investment project called La Huaca, some 67 miles south of Lima in the Asia district, should move ahead and become the first such complex of this type in the country. The tourist and gaming potential in Peru has already brought in new European investors, and this trend will surely increase also. Last night in Lima some gaming investors were also celebrating Garcia’s presidential win, and making plans to increase their presence in this charming country. (E-06.06.06)

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