The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism announced on Apr. 22 the approval of regulations for the creation, authorization, and operation of Private Special Economic Zones in Peru. The new rules, published as Supreme Decree 005-2026-MINCETUR in El Peruano, are designed to attract high-impact investments and create formal employment across the country.
The regulation is part of a broader effort to modernize Peru’s economy by promoting innovation, technology adoption, and increased competitiveness. José Reyes, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said: “The approval of this regulation is a fundamental step to transform the productive structure of the country. The ZEEP will allow us to move towards an economy with greater added value by incorporating innovation, technology, and new engines of growth that drive productivity and competitiveness in Peru.”
According to officials, these zones are intended as a key pillar under the National Multisectoral Policy for Foreign Trade through 2040. The regulatory framework outlines how such zones will be established—including procedures for their creation, operator selection processes, permitted activities within each zone, as well as oversight mechanisms. Requirements include that applicants must be legal entities in Peru with a minimum investment commitment equivalent to 1,500 tax units over two years.
Development of these regulations involved collaboration between several government ministries—including Economy and Finance—as well as input from private sector stakeholders during technical meetings and public consultations. With implementation now underway, authorities expect these measures will decentralize investment opportunities by integrating more regions into global value chains.
The Ministry plays a central role in advancing national strategies on trade facilitation and tourism connectivity throughout Peru according to its official website. It contributes to cultural progress by supporting sustainable tourism initiatives according to its official website, while also operating autonomously within the executive branch according to its official website. Collaboration with organizations like PromPerú helps advance export goals according to its official website.
Reyes said that this new tool would strengthen legal certainty for investors while expanding formal job opportunities: “With the entry into force of this regulation… Peru moves toward consolidating a more attractive environment for private investment.”
The ministry was established in 2002 as part of efforts to foster export growth through strategic partnerships aimed at improving both trade outcomes and community well-being according to its official website.
