Peru reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation and trade facilitation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, with the aim of further positioning Peru as a key player in inclusive and sustainable economic growth, indicated the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR).
It was stated so, during by the minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Teresa Mera, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Annual Ministerial Meeting, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, with the participation of the Foreign and Trade Ministers of the 21 Member economies.
The session focused on public policies that strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the global supply chain, as well as leveraging emerging technologies to promote trade facilitation.
During Peru's presentation, the MINCETUR emphasized that Peru is in line with APEC's priorities, reinforcing the need to promote actions that incorporate digital transformation to foster regional connectivity.
"Peru has prioritized digital transformation and interoperability as the cornerstone of its trade facilitation strategy, through the continuous improvement of the Single Window for Foreign Trade, which has had an impact on reducing the costs and processing times of procedures," minister Teresa Mena announced to the authorities.
The minister also highlighted that Peru, along with Australia, China, and Korea, is leading projects within the APEC framework to implement paperless trade. One of the main initiatives is the promotion of the use of the Electronic Bill of Lading, a transport contract and title document used in trade.
On the other hand, Minister Mera reiterated that, for Peru, economic integration in the region is fundamental to promoting free trade within APEC, advancing the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area agenda, one of the priorities during Peru's presidency, as reflected in the ICHMA Leaders' Declaration.
The topics discussed by the ministers also included the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into trade, and the strengthening of the multilateral trading system, with an emphasis on the role of the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral meetings
Hong Kong
Minister Teresa Mera held a bilateral meeting with the Hong Kong Secretary for Trade and Economic Development, Mr. Algernon Yau, where they discussed the ratification process of the Free Trade Agreement signed in November 2024.
She also informed him about the recent publication of the Law on Private Special Economic Zones, as a mechanism for attracting investment.
Thailand
During a meeting with Thailand's Minister of Trade, Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, the authorities discussed the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Peru and Thailand, which has already completed two rounds of negotiations. Both agreed to prioritize this process to ensure its prompt conclusion.
Canada
In a meeting with Canada's Minister of International Trade, Mr. Mainder Sidhu, Peru's investment portfolio in strategic sectors such as ports, highways, and tourism was highlighted. The Canadian official reiterated the interest of Canadian companies in investing in Peru.
Singapore
A meeting was held with Singapore's Minister in charge of Trade Relations, Ms. Grace Fu Hau Yien, who reiterated the progress made by Peru in its accession process to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), which will serve as a platform to promote greater use of new technologies for e-commerce and digital trade.
Given this, he indicated that he is certain a substantial conclusion will be announced soon.
Philippines
Finally, at the meeting with the Philippine Deputy Minister of Trade, the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Joint Commission was announced. This will allow for closer trade relations between the two countries, with a view to future negotiations on a trade agreement.
About APEC
APEC is the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum. Our primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The idea of APEC was firstly publicly broached by former prime minister of Australia Bob Hawke during a speech in Seoul, Korea, on 31 January 1989. Ten months later, 12 Asia-Pacific economies met in Canberra to establish APEC.
The founding members were Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; the Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; and the United States.
China; Hong Kong, China; and Chinese Taipei joined in 1991. Mexico and Papua New Guinea followed in 1993. Chile acceded in 1994. And in 1998, Peru; Russia; and Viet Nam joined, taking the full membership to 21.
(END) NDP / MDV
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Published: 10/30/2025