Mercedes Aráoz

Mercedes Aráoz
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Name	Mercedes Aráoz
Office	Prime Minister of Peru
President	Martín Vizcarra
Term start	2017
Term end	2018
Predecessor	Fernando Zavala
Successor	César Villanueva

Mercedes Aráoz is a Peruvian economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Peru from 2017 to 2018. She was appointed by President of Peru Martín Vizcarra and played a crucial role in shaping the country's economic policies, working closely with Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru David Tuesta. Aráoz's tenure was marked by significant events, including the Peruvian general election, 2016 and the Odebrecht scandal, which involved high-profile figures like Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Her experience in the public sector also involved collaborations with international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

● Early Life and Education

Mercedes Aráoz was born in Lima, Peru and pursued her higher education at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, where she earned a degree in Economics. She later moved to the United States to pursue her graduate studies at the University of Miami and Harvard University, specializing in International Trade and Economic Development. Aráoz's academic background is similar to that of other notable economists, such as Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen, who have also studied at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Cambridge University. Her education and research experience have been influenced by the works of renowned economists like Milton Friedman and John Maynard Keynes, and she has also been involved in projects with organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

● Political Career

Aráoz's entry into politics was marked by her appointment as the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru in 2006, during the presidency of Alan García. She played a key role in negotiating trade agreements, including the United States–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement between Peru and China. Her experience in trade negotiations is comparable to that of other notable trade ministers, such as Charlene Barshefsky and Pascal Lamy, who have worked on agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Doha Development Round. Aráoz has also worked with international leaders like Barack Obama and Xi Jinping on trade and economic issues, and has participated in forums like the World Economic Forum and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

● Presidency of Peru

Although Aráoz has not held the office of the President of Peru, she has worked closely with several presidents, including Ollanta Humala and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Her experience in the public sector has given her a unique understanding of the challenges faced by the country, including issues like Corruption in Peru and the Venezuelan refugee crisis. Aráoz has also been involved in initiatives like the Organization of American States and the Union of South American Nations, which aim to promote regional cooperation and economic development. Her work has been influenced by the policies of other regional leaders, such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Néstor Kirchner, who have implemented programs like the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America and the Mercosur.

● Economic Policies

As the Prime Minister of Peru, Aráoz implemented several economic policies aimed at promoting growth and reducing poverty. She worked closely with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru to develop strategies for improving the country's Competitiveness and attracting Foreign Direct Investment. Aráoz's economic policies were influenced by the works of economists like Michael Porter and Jeffrey Sachs, who have written extensively on topics like Cluster development and Sustainable development. She has also been involved in initiatives like the OECD and the World Trade Organization, which aim to promote global economic cooperation and development. Aráoz's experience in economic policy-making is comparable to that of other notable economists, such as Lawrence Summers and Nouriel Roubini, who have worked on issues like the Global financial crisis of 2008 and the European sovereign-debt crisis.

● Personal Life

Mercedes Aráoz is a prominent figure in Peruvian politics, known for her expertise in economics and trade. She has been recognized for her contributions to the field, including her work on the Peruvian economy and her involvement in international organizations like the Inter-American Dialogue and the Council of the Americas. Aráoz's personal life is marked by her commitment to public service, and she has been influenced by the examples of other notable public figures, such as Angela Merkel and Justin Trudeau, who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to their countries. Her experience and expertise have made her a respected voice in Peruvian politics, and she continues to be involved in initiatives like the Peruvian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Economic System.