Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)'s Fourth Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM) will boost Peruvian products access to more markets, Peru's Agriculture Minister Jose Manuel Hernandez affirmed.
"All agreements included in the Piura Declaration are relevant to all economies, to some more than others. In our case, [the relevant thing is] access to more markets, as well as small-scale producers and family agriculture integration, so they can also benefit from this process," the government official pointed out.
Adopted by APEC's 21 member economies, said Declaration also benefits Peru through trade facilitation and higher future investments within the region's scope.
Hernandez noted Declaration impacts will be seen in the short and medium term, and highlighted the upcoming Peruvian blueberry entry into China as a quick effect.
"Modification of asparagus fumigation systems for U.S. market access is another short-term impact. This is still not fully materialized, but we are moving forward," he added.
Private sector
On other matters, the Agriculture portfolio Head underlined private sector joining the FSMM, which will continue to participate in APEC food security consolidation dialogues.
"The private sector constitutes a major cornerstone in this forum. In this respect, the dialogue held […] shows the commitment to jointly address food market strengthening and quality economic growth," he expressed.
Remarks were made during APEC's Fourth Food Security Ministerial Meeting closing ceremony.
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