The participation of President Keiko Fujimori in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum is important because it provides a space where world leaders determine the global economy's direction.
This was stated by Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia on Tuesday at the event "Brazil-Peru: Bioceanic Integration for Development," organized by the Brazil-Peru Chamber of Commerce (Cambraper).
"The President's trip to APEC is important because it is the world's largest economic forum. All Southeast Asian countries, the United States, and the entire Pacific region are represented there," he stated.
In this regard, the Cabinet member considered it essential for the top official to participate in this international gathering, as it allows Peru to be represented at forums where decisions affecting the global economy are made.
"It is important for the President to be where global decisions are made. Heads of State determine the world's direction, and her presence at APEC is particularly important at this time," he indicated.
The Cabinet member underscored that the forum is not limited to South American integration issues but rather serves as a global platform bringing together the Asia-Pacific region's economies.
Trade integration with Brazil
Minister Valencia highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties between Peru and Brazil, two neighboring countries that, despite their geographical proximity, still have ample room to expand mutual understanding and trade relations.
He noted that next year the two countries will mark 200 years of diplomatic relations, an occasion that —in his view— should represent a milestone in the bilateral integration process.
Peru as a logistics hub
The minister noted that Peru aims to become a logistics hub connecting Brazil with Pacific markets by making the most of integration corridors and port infrastructure.
"We want to bring Peruvian products to Brazil's inland regions, and the corridor must operate in both directions," Valencia stated.
In this regard, he said Peru has a diversified export offering that includes minerals, agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods, giving it the potential to expand trade with the Brazilian market.
Greater connectivity needed
The minister also underscored the need to increase connectivity and the movement of people between the two countries.
As an example, he noted that Peru receives around 200,000 Brazilian tourists annually, a figure well below the approximately 2.5 million who visit Argentina and the 1 million who travel to Chile.
(END) NDP/GDS/JJN/MVB