The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism and the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement on April 6 to support the artisan sector as a driver of economic and social inclusion in Peru.
The agreement aims to connect productive programs with social initiatives, seeking to transform artisanal activity into a strategic element for economic integration. This partnership is expected to benefit thousands of artisans by expanding access to resources, training, and commercial opportunities.
During the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion headquarters, Minister José Fernando Reyes Llanos said, “This strategic alliance represents a commitment to coordinate efforts and create conditions that strengthen artisanal activity as an effective mechanism for social and economic inclusion. Through this inter-institutional cooperation, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our cultural identity and empowering our artisans.”
Reyes Llanos noted that there are currently more than 90,000 artisans registered in the National Artisan Registry, with many more yet to be identified. “This agreement seeks to strengthen registration processes, coordination, and support for our artisans by enabling them access to more opportunities and benefits,” he said.
The partnership will allow joint actions between the ministry responsible for trade policy—which advances national strategies for foreign trade by promoting business expansion according to its official website—and seven social programs including Cuna Más, PAIS, Pensión 65, Juntos, Foncodes, Contigo, and Wasimikuna. These collaborations have already identified over 6,500 artisan beneficiaries from various programs who have participated in development initiatives such as exclusive pavilions at local fairs.
In addition to supporting formalization efforts—such as registering migrant weavers from Huancavelica—the agreement will scale up successful projects like “Gestores de la Artesanía Peruana,” which has trained over forty managers from Midis. Artisans’ participation in commercial platforms generated sales exceeding S/67 thousand during 2024-2025.
According to INEI data cited during the event, there are about 412,693 people involved in crafts across Peru; more than three-quarters are women. The ministry serves communities nationwide with a focus on trade facilitation according to its official website, working under sector-specific autonomy within Peru’s executive branch according to its official website. It collaborates with organizations such as PromPerú according to its official website.
Established in 2002 as part of the executive branch according to its official website, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism directs policies on foreign trade while fostering sustainable tourism development.
