Peru reports progress on Trade Chapter in OECD accession process

16:00 | Lima, Jun. 3.

Peru has submitted comprehensive information on its commercial quality standards to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for evaluation, as part of its accession process to the bloc, Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Desilu Leon stated on Tuesday.

"We are making good progress on trade. We have submitted all the requested information to the OECD, and it is currently under evaluation so that we can receive their approval," she indicated.

The Peruvian government official explained that this would conclude the accession process with regard to the trade chapter.

"Being part of the OECD is very important for us. Becoming an OECD economy, aligned with this bloc's standards, not only allows us to create more opportunities for our exporters but also provides assurances in the application of trade rules," she said.

Minister Leon made this statement from Paris, France, where the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) is taking place.

In this regard, she highlighted the gathering held with OECD MCM Chairman Manuel Tovar, who is convinced that Peru is a country capable of joining the bloc.

Various meetings

Minister Leon highlighted that, as part of her participation in the forum, in addition to the official gatherings, she is taking part in bilateral engagements to strengthen Peru's position by presenting the policies being implemented to boost exports and promote investment.

The Cabinet member mentioned having held bilateral meetings with Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Spain.

"These meetings addressed matters of common interest," she noted.

The government official noted that in the case of Costa Rica, Peru expressed its support for the country's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

"They have expressed their support for us in this OECD accession process," she added.

The CPTPP was established to uphold the commitments and benefits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) after the United States withdrew from it.

It includes provisions on market access, rules of origin, trade in goods, trade in services, e-commerce, intellectual property, and labor standards.

In the case of Uruguay, Minister Leon said that work is underway to deepen the Economic Complementation Agreement No. 58, which has been in force since 2006.

"The goal is to establish new chapters and clauses to achieve more modern, transparent, fair, and equitable trade between our countries," she stated.

The high-ranking official mentioned that with the representatives of Spain the opportunities arising from the new global trade framework were discussed.

"We have identified opportunities to work together with European Union countries, especially with Spain, a country with which we have been working on various trade-related matters where we can find ways to strengthen the presence of our exporters with Peruvian products," she indicated.

Women

On another note, Minister Leon mentioned having taken part in side meetings, one of which focused on promoting women-led enterprises engaged in activities related to international trade.

"We have been able to present positive results. The proportion of women leading companies and enterprises related to exports increased from 23% in 2017 to 29% in 2024," she underscored.

The OECD stated that, according to various studies, international trade improves women's role in the labor market, reduces occupational segregation, promotes the transition to more formal jobs, and narrows gender wage gaps.

?? #NotaDePrensa | ¡Compromiso con un comercio global sostenible! La ministra del Mincetur participó en la Reunión del Consejo a Nivel Ministerial (MCM) de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE) en Paris. En ella, enfatizó que el Perú es un socio… pic.twitter.com/7j6MHcLlEZ
— MINCETUR ???? (@MINCETUR) June 3, 2025