HIS EXCELLENCY CARLOS RAÚL VÁSQUEZ CORRALES
Ambassador of Peru to Singapore
I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the members of the 56th Board of Directors of the Singapore Fruits & Vegetables Importers & Exporters Association.
Like Singapore, Peru upholds the principle of free trade as a key factor to promote economic and social development, particularly for emerging countries around the world whose companies, especially SMEs, need to reinforce their access to international markets.
In the current global scenario, where global value chains have been disrupted by the effects of the pandemic and the challenging geopolitical situation, it is even more important that countries such as Peru and Singapore strengthen their links to ensure the food security of their population.
In this regard, the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the Pacific Alliance and Singapore (PAFSTA) in February 2022 represents a milestone for the reinforcement and upgrading of economic relations between Latin America and Singapore. This new treaty could be used as a springboard for Singapore to expand its trade links with Latin America as a whole and for the Pacific Alliance countries (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) to reach out to the vast South East Asian market.
Once PASFTA enters into force, it will become a driving force to deepen mutual links among governments, enterprises, and citizens from all its Parties.
I would like to emphasize that agribusiness is one of the fastest growing industries in Peru. Aware of its great potential, Peruvian government and private investors have joined efforts to attain leading positions in the global markets. Peru is now the world leading exporter of blueberries, quinoa and grapes; the second of fresh and packaged olives and asparagus, and a major supplier of products such as avocados, paprika and ginger. In 2021, about 40% of the Peruvian non-traditional exports (excluding mining) to Singapore were fruits and vegetables.
The Embassy of Peru is keen to support the strengthening of existing and potential links between Peruvian and Singaporean companies to achieve the balanced and sustainable development of both countries.
I wish you all the best of success!