Lima, aug. 26 (ANDINA).- Peruvian President Alan García advanced today that despite the August 15 earthquake, Peru’s economy can grow over 8 percent this year, if companies speed up investments in our country.

"Let's invest now, and by the end of the year, maybe we will see how the 8 percent growth in production is surpassed as a result of the effort made by Peruvians. At great speeds we will continue to get closer to development and ending unemployment", President García told Andina News Agency.

Garcia stated that the magnitude-7.9 earthquake would only have a short-term effect on Peru's economy which will recover through major investments in diverse sectors.

"If we speed up investments in the upcoming months, instead of investing at the beginning of next year; be assured that we can regain what the earthquake set us back," added Peru's President.

Garcia emphasized that the way to help the nation is by investing during this time of need. He stated that companies would profit more if they invested now, than if they were to invest in the future.

He concluded by saying that the demand keeps increasing continuously, especially regarding the construction sector’s growth since more bricks, cement and steel materials are needed to initiate the reconstruction phase of quake-ravaged areas.