The social and economic role of SMEs in Peru is very
important; indeed, they represent 46% of GDP, 70% of
employment and 98% of total enterprises. Yet, according
to local statistics, small and medium sized Peruvian
companies often have low productivity and suffer from
information and technology gaps
to problems with
and infrastructure
inequalities.
solutions adapted to SMEs. For example, in the second
half of 2007, GS1 Peru oversaw a project and provided
This, in turn, leads
competitiveness.
technical assistance to an association called BioAquipa
(previously Ecolife). This association groups 615 aromatic
herb producers, in the region of Arequipa, in the southern
portion of the country. These herb producers live and work
some 3000 to 4000 metres about sea-level, producing 300
tons of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano and
others for export to Europe.