LIMA, Jan 6 (NNN-ANDINA) — .Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Mathews has indicated that Peru expects to advance this year and materialize more trade agreements with economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

“APEC has effects on several fronts, but it is mainly a forum that has been very useful to Peru given its commercial proximity to Asia,” Mathews told Andina news agency.“Of the 21 economies that make up APEC, 14 have free trade agreements with Peru, and we are moving forward towards reaching agreements with more (member economies), because we have negotiations with Hong Kong and Indonesia for this year,” he added.

The Cabinet member reminded citizens that Peru holds the APEC 2024 Presidency, which is why the cities of Lima, Urubamba (Cusco region), Arequipa, Trujillo, and Pucallpa will host more than 160 forum meetings.

“The APEC 2024 activities have already begun and will be taking place throughout the year in the five cities chosen as venues for the meetings,” Mathews highlighted.

“The main event will be observed in November with the Leaders’ Summit, when the presidents and heads of state arrive (in Peru),” he added.

APEC 2024 —to be held in Peru— will see the presence of more than 9,000 guests from world powers, including leaders, State ministers, delegates, and businesspeople.

APEC members are made up of 2.9 billion people, account for 62% of world GDP and approximately 50% of global trade.

The APEC is made up of: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. — NNN-ANDINA