Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s visit to the United States, where he will meet U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, is important to strengthen bilateral trade relations, The Economist Intelligence Unit analyst Fernando Freijedo affirmed.
“The meeting between the Peruvian president and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, is relevant to trade relations between both countries,” Freijedo was quoted as saying by Andina news agency.
After China, the United States is the largest trade partner of Peru; in fact, the two countries have a free trade agreement that has been in force since 2009.
“Peru was not the aim of President Trump’s anti-trade speech, and Peruvian exports to the United States are unlikely to become a problem for his administration,” he stated.
However, he said Trump administration’s policy towards Latin America is still evolving.
The relationship with U.S. has been key for Peru’s integration in the world during the last years, he noted, with important linkages in terms of investment and trade existing between the two countries.
Investments
At another time, he said Kuczynski’s visit to the U.S. might help pave the way to promote new investments.
He went on to add the United States is one of the main sources of foreign direct investment in Peru.
“They [the United States] are focused on mining, but are more diversified than other investors and hold industry, energy and financing-related investments,” the analyst pointed out.
Slated to run until February 27, the trip will make Kuczynski the fifth world leader and the first Latin American to meet Trump since he took office on January 20.
According to Peru’s Prime Minister Fernando Zavala, the Peruvian leader is expected to speak about the benefits of the free trade agreement and seeks to fuel further investments into the Inca country.
He also attempts to get U.S. support so that Peru can join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
(END) MMG/JJN/RMB
Published: 2/23/2017