Over the last 15 years, Peruvian agro-exports grew by 16% driven by trade openness, access to international markets and mainly by the world-class exporting companies creation, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Magali Silva affirmed.
"Peruvian agro-exports have become an engine of the national economy. In 2000, our exports totaled US$645 million; in 2014 […] our agro-exports increased by 7.8 times," the Minister indicated.
Sales to overseas totaled US$5.00 billion by 2014, Silva noted.
Concerning fruit and fresh vegetable exports, an average annual 24% increase was reached during the analyzed period. In 2014, the subsector exceeded US$1.885 billion.
Peru is the world's leading asparagus and quinoa exporter. It ranks second with regard to Hass avocado, fifth when it comes to grapes and sixth of mangoes, the official highlighted.
Likewise, the country offers a new exportable supply featuring highly-demanded organic bananas, blueberries, pomegranates and maca.
Agreements
On the other hand, Silva mentioned Peru has signed 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTA), currently in force, which granted the nation's products preferential access.
At the same time, the country continues joining new markets, such as the Pacific Alliance, Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Likewise, it has engaged in FTA negotiations with Turkey and soon with India.
Remarks were made within the framework of the Peru-Asia Fruitnet Export Forum 2015 held in Lima, organized by Asia Fruit and supported by the Peruvian Agricultural Guilds Association (AGAP), the Peruvian-German Chamber of Commerce and Peru's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperu).