Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Rogers Valencia Espinoza, will participate in the APEC summit next week and sign a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand.
Supreme Resolution 312-2026-PCM authorizes the Minister’s travel to the city of Shenzhen, People's Republic of China, from November 14 to 21, 2026, to participate in the forum. This visit will help strengthen Peru’s commercial alliances with APEC member economies.
Furthermore, it will serve as an opportunity to promote foreign direct investment in strategic sectors—such as infrastructure, digitalization, connectivity, and mining-energy projects—while also helping to position the country as a strategic hub for business and investment in South America.
In his absence, the portfolio of Foreign Trade and Tourism will be overseen by Juan Carlos Requejo Aleman, the Minister of Production.
Invitation from China
The representative of the APEC host economy has invited members of the forum to participate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Week (AELW).
Within this framework, events will include the Concluding Senior Officials' Meeting (CSOM) and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), taking place from November 13 to 19, 2026, in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
Strengthening Trade
On November 18–19, 2026, the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will address issues such as strengthening the multilateral trading system, regional economic integration, the development of the digital economy, the facilitation of paperless trade, and cross-border e-commerce, among others.
Additionally, on November 17, 2026, bilateral meetings will be held among the leaders of APEC member economies. In the case of Peru, these will include meetings with representatives from the People’s Republic of China, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines, among others.
FTA with Thailand
On November 19, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Republic of Peru and the Kingdom of Thailand—negotiations for which were concluded at the end of 2025.
As stated in the relevant legal provision, this agreement will secure tariff preferences and diversify the destination markets for Peruvian export products—particularly from the fisheries, mining, and agricultural sectors—while facilitating the entry of Peruvian companies into this significant market under conditions that ensure non-discriminatory treatment.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism is the competent authority for defining, directing, executing, coordinating, and overseeing foreign trade and tourism policy.
Its general functions include representing Peru in international forums and organizations related to trade, tourism, economic cooperation, and integration frameworks. It is also responsible for the promotion of exports and tourism, as well as for international trade negotiations. An Overview of APEC
Established in 1989, APEC is one of the world’s most important and dynamic intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms. It is aimed at promoting and facilitating trade, investment, economic and technical cooperation, and regional economic development among its 21 member economies, all of which are located in the Pacific Rim.
Peru has been a member of APEC since 1998 and has chaired the forum in 2008, 2016, and 2024.
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Published: 11/13/2026