LIMA (Peru): Malaysia has stated its commitment to strengthening economic relations with Peru, including developing Chancay Port as a strategic pathway for the penetration of Malaysian halal products into Latin America.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is on at official visit here on conjunction with the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM), said Malaysia sees the huge potential foor developing a halal ecosystem in Peru.
He said this was not just a trade strategy, but an opportunity to expand cooperation in a region that is increasingly embracing halal-based products.
"Peru has a strategic geographic location as a main gateway to Latin America. With the development of the infrastructure of Chancay Port, Malaysia hopes to contribute to the project while at the same time strengthening the presence of Malaysia halal products in the region," he said.
Anwar was speaking to reporters after meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte at the Peruvian Government Palaec here.
Upon his arrival at the palace, the prime minister was accorded a state reception.
The two leaders then proceeded to hold a closed-door meeting, followed by a bilateral meeting.
Present in the Malaysian delegation were Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Si.
Anwar and Boluarte later witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
Two of these were for cooperation in the halal industry between the halal Development Corporation (HDC) and the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism (PromPeru) and cooperation in the field of agriculture between the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and Peru's National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA).
The third was for cooperation in the field of gastronomy between Taylor's University and the Peru Tourism Training Centre.
Anwar said Malaysia and Peru agreed on the importance of growing bilateral trade through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership which was the basis for trade agreements between the two nations.
Under this development plan, Malaysia will focus on expanding the halal network, which will not only be limited to food, but will also encompass cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality services.
With this initiative, Malaysia hopes to help meet the growing demand among Muslim consumers in the Latin American region, which is becoming increasingly aware of halal products.
The Chancay Port, located near the Peruvian capital of Lima, is currently being developed as one of the main ports connecting global trade to Latin America.
Malaysia sees great potential in participating in the infrastructure investment for the port, which is expected to accelerate the distribution of halal products to a wider market.
Anwar also voiced Malaysia's intention to expand cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, food security and education, besides supporting Peru's efforts in increasing its competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
He also stressed on the importance of the Asia-Pacific Econoic Cooperation forum as a key platform to promote economic partnerships, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
His official visit is expected to have a positive impact on Malaysia-Peru relations, not only in terms of trade but also in promoting Malaysia as a leader in the global halal industry.