LIMA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's maiden official visit to Peru strengthened diplomatic ties between Malaysia and the country.
He said this unlocked export opportunities worth RM1.24 billion.
The initiative was driven by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) in its efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Peru trade relations.
Anwar said Peruvian companies had shown strong interest in Malaysian products, including steel and glass-based building materials, medical equipment, palm oil, chemicals, as well as food and beverage products.
"We will implement follow-up actions, particularly in terms of logistics and port cooperation, to facilitate the export process between the two countries," Anwar said during a press conference after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Week (AELW) here.
He met with 22 business leaders representing 17 Peruvian companies from various industries, including pharmaceuticals, building materials, chemical-based products and health foods.
To date, companies from the country have imported goods worth RM435.27 million from Malaysia.
On investments, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) has identified seven Peruvian companies interested in investing in Malaysia.
"The companies are primarily focused on the food processing, integrated logistics services, and pharmaceutical sectors.
"The government is committed to ensuring that all these investment and trade opportunities are realised promptly for mutual benefit," Anwar added.
The visit was also attended by representatives from 16 Malaysian companies, including government-linked companies, which participated in a roundtable discussion with Peruvian industry leaders.
On the sidelines of the APEC meeting, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.
He held talks with Singapore's Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu on preparations for the Singapore-Malaysia Annual Leaders' Retreat next month and Malaysia's plans as the 2025 Asean chair.
A meeting with Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, Muto Yoji, highlighted preparations for the Osaka Expo 2025 and cooperation in the green energy sector.
Meanwhile, discussions with New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay, covered topics such as free trade, regional geopolitics and halal certification.