The president said there are good prospects for further investment inflow and bilateral cooperation with these Asian nations, with which Peru has free trade agreements.

Humala explained that efforts to achieve these goals will first focus on Japan and Korea, and then target China and other Asian countries.

"We aim to increase investment and trade with Asia through Japan and Korea in the first stage and then continue with China and other countries," he told Andina news agency, before leaving on official visits to Japan and South Korea.

The president said he will discuss a variety of issues from infrastructure and defense cooperation to irrigation projects during meetings with investors and representatives from cooperation agencies.

Humala will hold talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and meet with Emperor Akihito when he visits Japan on May 8-10. His itinerary also includes meetings with business leaders and investors in Tokyo.

In Korea, Humala will meet with President Lee Myung Bak and participate in meetings with local entrepreneurs during his May 10-12 visit.

(END) CCR/EEP