Peru and Spain to strengthen bilateral relations

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Magali Silva Velarde-Álvarez, said that the governments of Peru and Spain will strengthen their trade, political, economic and historical relations at the highest level after the official visit by the President of the Republic, Ollanta Humala, to Madrid between today and 10 July.

 

Minister Silva stressed how the trade relationship between Spain and Peru, as well as the volume of investments, has been improving for over ten years. "About 300 Spanish companies, counting small and medium firms, have chosen our country as a recipient for investments; meanwhile, Peru has a strong presence in the Spanish market with its exports, gastronomy, culture and other aspects," she said.

 

She pointed out that the presence of Spanish investors in Peru strengthens the relationship and encourages joint venture partnerships between companies from both countries, thus boosting the export of Peruvian products. "Our country has a trade surplus, with exports amounting to 1,760 million dollars, compared to 800 million dollars in imports," she stated.

 

Minister Silva affirmed that the delegation of Ministers accompanying the President on his official visit will have an important agenda, including meetings with their Spanish counterparts with the goal of improving bilateral relations in those areas. "As Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism I have the task of promoting the benefits of our country's stability in legal and macroeconomic terms, which make it a suitable recipient for investment in various sectors (communications, mining, construction, services), at the Business Meeting Spain-Peru and the Future in Peru Forum, held today, 7th and tomorrow 8th July, respectively," she pointed out.

 

Non-traditional exports to Spain in 2014 grew by 14%, to a total of 475 million dollars. Tariff lines increased from 877 to 896, i.e., 23 new items and more than 810 exporting companies.

 

In this context, Minister Magali Silva stressed that the visit from the President of the Republic, who is also accompanied by a delegation of entrepreneurs, will allow increased exports, which goes hand in hand with the diversification of production and of Peru's exportable supply.