By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAY 13, 2018: WHILE celebrating 55 years of diplomatic ties with India, the top leadership of Peru resolved to enhance their trade relations. The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, Mr Rogers Valencia Espinoza, while speaking of the potential of bilateral trade between the two countries, said the Peru was keen about concluding a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with India. He mentioned that two rounds of discussions were already in this regard and the third round is to be held in Delhi in August this year. He stressed on the need to conclude this agreement at the earliest for mutual benefit.

The Indian Vice President, Mr M.Venkaiah Naidu held extensive talks with President, Prime Minister and senior Ministers of Peru in Lima on a range of issues indicating specific areas for enhanced engagement. He spoke at length about India’s strength in supply of quality and cost effective generic medicines, Information Technology, defence equipment, Science & Technology, Space applications etc.

During the delegation level talks, the Peruvian Prime Minister Mr.Cesar Villanueva Bardales, leading a delegation of four ministers and senior official noted that India is acknowledged as a leader in pharma sector and Peru could take benefit of the same. Health Minister of Peru Ms.Silvia Pessah Eljay suggested that Indian Government may do needful to enable Indian Pharma companies set up generic medicines production facilities in Peru. Peruvian side agreed to consider suggestion of Shri Naidu for hassle free registration of Indian pharma companies for supply of medicines.

Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nestor Popolizio Bardales, stressed that India deserved to be a Permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council in line with its size, role and responsibilities in the global scheme of things. He reiterated Peru’s support to India in this regard.