Mr Francisco Tenya Hasegawa
Ambassador of Peru to Singapore
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the members of the 57th Board of Directors of the Singapore Fruits & Vegetables Importers & Exporters Association (SFVIEA) on their recent appointment. I wish you a successful and productive tenure during this new term.
Peru and Singapore share a strategic partnership in food security and are steadfast advocates of free trade, as demonstrated by our Free Trade Agreement and joint participation in multiple international economic platforms. These include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)—most recently hosted by Peru in 2024—the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Free Trade Agreement between the Pacific Alliance and Singapore, which has been ratified by both countries and is expected to enter into force in 2025. Additionally, we look forward to sharing membership in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), as Peru’s accession process is already underway.
Despite challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and rising protectionist policies we observe in the world, bilateral trade between Peru and Singapore continues to grow, driven by our mutual commitment as champions of free trade.
Our trade flows will be further enhanced by the recent inauguration of the Chancay Port in November 2024, which establishes the first direct and consistent maritime route between Asia and South America. This route reduces transport times by 10 to 15 days and lowers costs, offering greater opportunities for businesses in both regions.
Peru’s unique geography and rich biodiversity have made it the world’s largest exporter of blueberries and grapes, as well as the second largest in fresh avocados, Amazonian chestnuts, and ginger, among other products. This success is supported by the implementation of ambitious agricultural irrigation projects across the country, paving the way for even greater global market presence in the coming years.
In addition, Peruvian superfoods such as quinoa, camu camu, and purple corn are gaining significant recognition in Europe, North America, and Asia for their exceptional nutritional properties and health benefits.
We warmly invite SFVIEA members to explore the emerging trade opportunities between our two countries and to strengthen the relationship that benefits both our markets and communities.