Peru - Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR)
- Founded
- 2002-01-01 in Lima, Peru
- Headquarters
- 50 Uno Oeste, Corpac, San Isidro, Lima, Peru
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) is the government body responsible for defining, directing, and overseeing Peru's foreign trade and tourism policies. Established on 23 July 2002, it replaced earlier iterations dating back to 1969 and now serves as a key driver of the country's international economic integration and tourism development. MINCETUR designs trade negotiation strategies, manages bilateral and multilateral agreements such as the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and facilitates export growth through the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE). On the tourism side, it formulates policies to promote Peru as a world-class destination, regulates casinos and gaming machines, and administers agencies like PromPerú and CENFOTUR. The ministry has recently secured a US$77.2 million World Bank loan for the Arequipa-Colca tourism corridor and launched community tourism funding programmes. Its work is critical to Peru's economic diversification and global positioning, with exports projected to exceed US$80 billion by 2025.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
MINCETUR was created on 23 July 2002, consolidating functions that had evolved from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (established 1969) through successive reorganizations. The ministry was established by law and is headquartered in San Isidro, Lima.
Organization and Structure
The ministry is organized into two main vice-ministries: the Vice-Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Vice-Ministry of Tourism. Each includes directorates covering research, policy development, trade negotiations, legal affairs, handicrafts, and casino/gaming regulation. MINCETUR also overseas the network of Peruvian Commercial Offices (OCEX) abroad and manages the national Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), a digital platform that simplifies import/export procedures.
Business Model and Key Initiatives
MINCETUR operates as a government entity funded by the national budget. It designs and implements policies to boost exports and tourism, including grant programmes for SME internationalisation (e.g., a US$7.5 million MSME internationalisation fund) and infrastructure projects such as the Choquequirao aerial lift system assessment. The ministry launched the “Tourism Entrepreneurship 2026” programme, providing up to US$32,000 for local community tourism businesses.
Recent Achievements and Developments
A notable recent achievement is the World Bank’s approval of a US$77.2 million loan for the Arequipa-Colca tourism corridor, managed by MINCETUR. The ministry also published the National Multisectoral Foreign Trade Policy through 2040 and continues to implement the National Strategic Export Plan (PENX 2025), which targets Peruvian exports exceeding US$80 billion. Additionally, MINCETUR regulates online gambling and sports betting, requiring foreign operators to register for identity verification in Peru’s licensed market.
Products and Platforms
Key platforms include the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), PromPerú (the export and tourism promotion commission), CENFOTUR (tourism training centre), Plan Copesco Nacional (tourism infrastructure development), and the OCEX network of trade offices. These tools support the ministry’s goals of streamlining trade, promoting Peru globally, and developing sustainable tourism.
Key Products
VUCE (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior)
Single digital window for foreign trade procedures, enabling importers and exporters to submit documents and track processes online.
Community‑Tourism Digital Platform
An online platform launched by MINCETUR to promote community‑based tourism experiences that allow visitors to interact with local customs and traditions.
Tutorials for Importers and Exporters
A series of online tutorials and guides published by MINCETUR to facilitate customs compliance and trade procedures.
PROMPERÚ (Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism)
Attached entity under MINCETUR responsible for international promotion of Peruvian exports and tourism.
CENFOTUR (Centro de Formación en Turismo)
Tourism training center administered by MINCETUR, offering vocational and professional education in hospitality and tourism.
Plan Copesco Nacional
National plan for tourism infrastructure development, managed by MINCETUR, focusing on sustainable tourism projects.
Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE)
Digital platform that centralises and simplifies foreign trade procedures, reducing paperwork and processing times for exporters and importers.
PROMPERÚ
Autonomous entity responsible for promoting Peruvian exports and tourism worldwide, organising trade missions, participation in international fairs, and marketing campaigns.
CENFOTUR
Official training centre for the tourism sector, offering professional courses and certification to improve service quality.
Community-Based Tourism Digital Platform
Online portal launched in 2025 to connect visitors with community-led tourism experiences, showcasing local traditions, customs, and ways of life.
Peruvian Commercial Offices Abroad (OCEX)
Network of trade offices in key markets that support Peruvian exporters, gather market intelligence, and promote trade agreements.
PromPerú (Comisión de Promoción del Perú para la Exportación y el Turismo)
The government agency under MINCETUR responsible for promoting Peruvian exports and tourism globally through marketing campaigns, trade shows, and investment attraction.
PENX 2025 (National Strategic Export Plan 2025)
A strategic roadmap to boost Peruvian exports, increase the number of exporting SMEs, and leverage the country's network of free trade agreements.
National Multisectoral Foreign Trade Policy through 2040
A long-term policy framework guiding state actions to strengthen Peru's foreign trade comprehensively and sustainably.
Peruvian Commercial Offices (OCEX) Network
A global network of trade offices that support Peruvian exporters and promote international business opportunities.
Key Persons
- José Reyes Llanos
Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism