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Peruvian leaders excited about trade agreement
By Jennifer M. Latzke The recent U.S. Wheat Associates Board and Media Team tour of Latin America gave producers and media an opportunity to speak to the people directly affected by U.S. trade agreements. In Lima, Peru, the team had the chance to sit down with Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Commerce and Tourism, Dr. Eduardo Ferreyros, and discuss the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA). Alejandro Daly, the president of the Wheat Millers Committee in Peru, also joined the team. Ferreyros and Daly were part of the negotiations team for the TPA. And, sitting across from them, one can't help but feel the excitement Peru has for this trade agreement. "The agreement is good for both of our countries, both strategically and economically," Ferreyros said. "We're a small country and a poor country and we need new markets and better access to markets." Peru is in the final stages of implementing changes to its infrastructure and legislation, and when U.S. President George Bush visits Lima later this year officials will be able to announce all of its requirements are met. The government is fixing its internal agenda to comply with the agreement, something Ferreyros emphasized. Two issues are key for Peru to address during this implementation process, Ferreyros said. They are environmental concerns in regards to Peru's forestry and protection of intellectual property rights. To address environmental concerns, Peru has hired a specialist to work with its ministry to move forward in the process. In negotiating the agreement, Ferreyros said it was obvious that everyone wouldn't agree on everything, but the agricultural community in Peru has come to realize the agreement is good for Peru. On day one, Ferreyros explained, wheat will not have a tariff as well as corn and cotton. "We're complementary with your wheat producers," Ferreyros said. "What we produce is not the same as what we can get from the U.S." Peru is also working to negotiate trade agreements with several other countries, and has an agreement nearly completed with Canada. Ferreyros explained that it's important for Peru's growth over a period of time to integrate itself into the world market, and to have a larger trade agenda. "Peru is a small market and we have to trade with the world," Daly added. "We're not a rich country, and we have to remember to work with the world, and not just within our borders." 6 Star Midwest Ag 4/28/08 3 B
Date: 4/25/08
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