Villanueva said this multipartite pact between the European Union, Peru and Colombia is "highly beneficial" for Peru as it will positively impact on the fight against poverty in the medium term.

He explained that an increase in exports will lead to more jobs and higher per capita income, allowing more people to lift themselves out of poverty.

"The barriers we had in the world are rising and we can develop commercially by expanding our presence in international markets," the ANGR head told Andina news agency.

Villanueva went on to note that Peru's regions have huge untapped economic potential, based on the variety of quality products they can offer to the world.

To that end, he reminded regional presidents of their duty to "attract investments and maintain a climate of social peace for the benefit of the needy population."

(END) JCR/FPQ/EEP/LVT