Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Edgar Vasquez affirmed that Peru's food exports will maintain a significant growth rate throughout the year, despite the negative effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the world.
"Essentials are always the least affected products. In this case, foodstuffs will surely maintain an important and interesting growth rate throughout the year. Without a doubt, products in high demand during the pandemic, such as medicines and medical devices, will be included as well," he said in television statements.
"The situation of the
agro-industry sector, which had been the engine, experienced a slight fall in March. It is clear that there were complications in the logistics and a reduction in the global demand in general, which obviously affects different markets," the minister added.
However, Vasquez noted that his sector is working to optimize export logistics. Therefore, as external demand begins to rise, Peru gets ready to revitalize foreign trade.
"We have teamed up with
PromPeru to prepare a recovery strategy, which has to consider the resumption of some productive activities for export-oriented industries," he expressed.
The cabinet member acknowledged that Peruvian exports in general fell around 46% in March, thus accumulating a decline of 20% in the first quarter of 2020.
(END) CNA/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/28/2020