The center holds the fourth date of its research project workshop series
On July 7, 2022, the center held the second workshop on the fourth date of its series on research projects. A presentation was given by Dr. Martín Monsalve, professor and research affiliate, and Dr. Patricia Palma, professor at the University of Tarapacá, on “Migration and Chinese firms in the South Pacific: A long-term vision.” Also participating as commentators were Dr. Lai Yuan, researcher at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and Dr. Nifta Lau, a postdoctoral researcher at the center.
Dr. Rosario Santa Gadea, the center’s director, opened the workshop and gave a word of welcome to the participating speakers and commentators hailing from countries such as Peru, Chile, Mexico, and China.
Then, Dr. Monsalve presented his analysis of the commercial trajectory of Chinese and Palestinian immigrants, who became influential migrant communities in the cities of Arequipa and Moquegua in southern Peru. The professor remarked that although these groups were not part of “wanted” immigration projects and faced a series of prejudices and hostilities, they nonetheless integrated into regional and national life to a significant degree. Next, Dr. Palma noted that the family networks of the Chinese and Palestinian immigrants played an essential role in their commercial success, adding that this success was also linked to the ability of these groups to forge commercial ties beyond their ethnic communities.
Finally, Dr. Lai highlighted the importance of researching the history of migrant minorities within the framework of the South–South perspective. Dr. Lau also mentioned that cohesion and integration were outstanding aspects of Chinese migration to Peru, and that this occurred through three mechanisms: family ties, trade, and associations. Finally, the Chinese expert observed that migrants were key intermediaries in strengthening commercial exchanges between Peru and their countries of origin.
