Ottawa – Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Juan Carlos Mathews Salazar, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting 2023 in San Francisco, California.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed Peru’s priorities, as Peru will hold the chair of APEC in 2024. Minister Ng took this opportunity to highlight the long-standing history of diplomatic relations between Canada and Peru and the importance of their trade and investment relationship.
As 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the 15th anniversary of the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, Minister Ng spoke of Canada’s commitment to growing our collaboration in industry sectors such as infrastructure, clean technology and mining, including critical minerals.
Minister Ng also welcomed Minister Mathews’ views on priorities for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2024, when Canada assumes the role of commission chair. She also reemphasized Canada’s continued commitment to the Pacific Alliance and discussed Canada’s associated state candidacy. Finally, the ministers underscored the importance of building an inclusive and sustainable future and discussed both countries’ continued work to advance and create trade opportunities for women, SMEs and Indigenous Peoples.