Arequipa has established itself as an important development pole in the south of the country thanks to activities such as mining, industry, commerce, tourism and services. In 2025, copper production grew 83.7%. Likewise, between February 2024 and February of the previous year, formal private employment increased from 208,126 to 217,718 jobs, which represents an increase of more than 9,000 jobs.
Added to this economic growth are the modernization of the port of Matarani and the megaproject of the City-Port of Corío, conceived as a long-term initiative. Both initiatives open new perspectives for port development in the region and could contribute to positioning Peru as an important logistics, mining and commercial node in the Pacific, with connections to the markets of Asia, Brazil and Bolivia.
This scenario poses a challenge: preparing professionals with technical skills in maintenance, security, engineering and automation, as well as digital, commercial, logistical and management capabilities. Critical thinking, communication and leadership are also essential to respond to the new demands of the labor market.
To take advantage of these opportunities, it is necessary to increase competitiveness through the development of human talent. This will generate greater added value, diversify the economy and promote quality formal jobs.
In that sense, Arequipa must convert talent management into a strategic investment, directly linked to business results. To achieve this, it is necessary to promote relevant training that brings together companies, universities and institutes, in order to develop skills aligned with labor demand.
Another key factor is to accelerate digital transformation by incorporating automation, data analysis and artificial intelligence tools. These technologies can improve processes, optimize resources and increase the productivity of companies.
The retention of Arequipa talent is also essential to sustain growth and avoid productivity losses. Companies must offer professional development opportunities, strengthen leadership and ensure adequate working conditions. They also need to evaluate the results of their training programs to measure their impact on productivity, reduce errors and improve the development prospects of their workers.
On the other hand, SMEs need to strengthen their capabilities through training, certifications and continuous quality improvement. Having more competitive suppliers will allow us to better respond to the demands of supply chains and will facilitate access to international markets.
But how to put this agenda into practice? During the first six months, it is necessary to identify critical occupations and the main skills gaps. Between six and twelve months, the articulation between the educational sector and companies must be strengthened, in addition to measuring job insertion. In the next eighteen months, it will be necessary to accelerate digitalization and increase the capabilities of suppliers. In the medium term, technical careers and talent retention strategies must be consolidated.
This agenda requires those responsible, measurable goals and effective coordination between companies, the State and educational institutions. Arequipa has the opportunity to consolidate itself as a center of production, specialized services and business development, as long as it manages to link its economic growth with the strengthening of the capabilities of its population.
The priority is not only to grow more, but to grow better. Human talent is an essential investment to increase productivity, promote innovation and generate quality employment. Regional competitiveness will depend on the value that Arequipa is able to generate, the capacity of its companies to innovate and the sustainable opportunities it offers to its population.
