Peru will remain as Switzerland's economic cooperation priority partner, the European country ratified during the 2nd Bilateral Economic Consultation Meeting held between both nations at Peru Foreign Affairs Ministry headquarters.
The audience gathered Peru's International Negotiations Director Augusto Morelli Salgado and Switzerland's Head of the Americas Unit at the Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Philippe G. Nell.
Dr. Nell was joined by representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Programa Global Andino (SDC water conservation program), and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Peru.
Topics addressed include the new administration's economic cooperation priorities, as well as matters related to increased bilateral trade and investment.
It is worth noting Switzerland is the third export destination for Peruvian products, with a significant rise in non-traditional exports such as fresh mangoes and asparagus.
Likewise, both delegations agreed on the need to better harness the FTA between Peru and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Swiss nation is a member.
On the other hand, Peru presented its portfolio of infrastructure investment projects, which includes the Trans-Andean Tunnel. Said venture is of particular interest to Switzerland, and is part of its area of expertise.
The Swiss commitment to prioritizing Peru in the European nation's cooperation with Latin America was also highlighted.
The Swiss cooperation has allocated US$110 million to the Multi-Annual Development Cooperation Program Peru Country Strategy 2013-2016 for natural resources, governability and competitive private sector cooperation projects.
The meeting served to identify areas to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation: fight against climate change, high-mountain management systems, dual education, as well as exchange of experiences in health sector management, pharmaceutical products and agricultural research.
The dialogue also covered Switzerland's participation as Pacific Alliance observer State and the nation's support to Peru's aspiration to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
(END) FHG/DHT/RMB
Published: 10/5/2016