Secretary of State Sarai concludes trip to strengthen ties with Peru and Colombia

August 13, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada’s close relationship with Peru, Colombia and, more broadly, South America, is key to advancing economic security, democratic values and climate resilience.

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), concluded a visit to Peru and Colombia to reinforce existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration in trade, climate action and inclusive growth. In total, he announced $77.6 million in new projects for Peru, Colombia and other South American countries—reinforcing Canada’s commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

While in Peru, Secretary Sarai travelled to Lamas, Shampuyacu, Moyobamba and Tarapoto to visit Canadian-supported projects delivering climate action and inclusive economic development and to foster trade with Canada.

In Lamas, Secretary Sarai visited a women-led business supported by Canadian programming and announced COMPETE, a new $5-million initiative by Trade Facilitation Office Canada to help women-led small and medium-sized enterprises become export-ready. In Shampuyacu, he highlighted Canada’s commitment to Indigenous-led climate action and gender equality, announcing $9.2 million for Ellas+ Resilientes, a project by Développement international Desjardins. In Moyobamba, he witnessed the benefits of Canadian support in advancing water conservation and ecosystem restoration, which benefit local agricultural producers and create economic opportunity. Finally, in Tarapoto, he met with cacao value chain stakeholders to explore Canada as an emerging market for responsibly sourced cacao, spotlighting CACAO+, a new $15.15-million SOCODEVI-led initiative supporting inclusive and sustainable cacao cooperatives.

In Colombia, the visit focused on innovative financing, peace and security, and climate resilience. In Bogotá, Secretary Sarai visited the Paloquemao Market to see Colombia’s fresh produce export potential and a driver’s training centre supporting livelihoods for migrants and displaced populations. He met with impact investors, entrepreneurs and Indigenous leaders who are using climate-friendly solutions to grow local businesses and address food insecurity. He also met with Canadian companies to discuss new opportunities for achieving greater development impacts through trade and closer collaboration with the private sector.

In Nazareth, Secretary Sarai reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to addressing wildfires and deforestation, announced by Prime Minister Carney during Canada’s G7. He announced Corridors of Resilience, a new $12-million fire management and restoration project for Colombia and Peru led by the United Nations Development Programme, with $6 million earmarked for each country. He also launched PROGRESAR+, a $16.7-million initiative by Développement international Desjardins to advance climate adaptation and economic resilience for women and youth.

At the Colombia Development Showcase and Partner Reception, he announced 2 additional projects: $6.2 million for gender-responsive ecosystem adaptation in Cesar, implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute, and $7.2 million for Profamilia’s Standing Out: Generations Beyond Violence initiative, for the prevention of gender-based violence against women and girls.

Throughout the visit, Secretary Sarai engaged with government officials, development partners and private sector leaders to strengthen Canada’s presence in the region and promote inclusive, sustainable development.