By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 18, 2017: The Union Cabinet has approved holding negotiations for Trade Agreement with Peru on trade in goods, services and investment.

A Joint Study Group (JSG) between India and Peru was constituted in order to explore the possibility for entering into trade agreement with Peru on 15 th January, 2015. Both sides concluded the Joint Study Group Report on 20 th October, 2016 and agreed to carry forward the discussions on trade in goods, trade in services and investment.

Background:

Peru ranks 3 rd amongst export destinations for India in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region during 2015-16. India's bilateral trade with Peru was US$ 107.32 million during 2005-06 which registered a growth of 1319.45% during 2015-16. During 2015-16, bilateral trade stood at US$ 1,523.35 million with exports at US$ 703.12 million and imports US$ 820.22 million respectively.

India has friendly relations with Peru. Peru has been cooperating with India at the International fora and the trade agreement will enhance the trade and economic relations between the two countries. The trade agreement would be an important landmark in India-Peru relations and consolidate the traditional fraternal relation that have existed between India and LAC countries.