Meet our expert: Marite Aragaki, Partner, Peru

What will be the most important market trend affecting your clients’ sectors over the next six months?

Peru is facing an important political change, and as with all changes, it comes with some uncertainties. Our new President, Pedro Castillo [in office since 28 July 2021], has announced a “new way of conducting mining”, where the Peruvian State will play an active role and participate where relevant. The focus is on a new concept of “social profitability”, where more benefits are sought for local communities and regions. We expect new regulation to be issued and discussed in the short and medium term which will be challenging for all stakeholders involved. However, our firm’s track record in advising the development of mining investment in Peru from a comprehensive viewpoint for more than 85 years motivates us to take on these challenging times for the sector with a realistic but also innovative approach.

What advice do you have for those using video call technologies? What have you learned from this phenomenon over the last year?

Empathy. Do not expect everybody to be available at all times and perfect during calls. Everybody has to face different challenges while working remotely. Consider that there are countries still struggling with high infection rates and mobilisation restrictions. Together with slow vaccination processes, going back to normal will still take time.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Stay close to your client. You want to be the lawyer that your client thinks of first when faced with a problem or the need for advice. For that, you need not only to be an expert or good lawyer, but also to be reachable, available and involved in the sector your client is active in.