Prime Minister Luis Galarreta says country aims to become trade and investment bridge between South America and Asia-Pacific
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenTeresa Elena Frontadoin WashingtonandIgor Patrickin Rio de JaneiroPublished: 5:08am, 21 Aug 2026Updated: 5:20am, 21 Aug 2026Peru’s new government has pledged to bring its free-trade agreement with Hong Kong into force this year as part of an effort to position the country as a commercial bridge between South America and the Asia-Pacific, even as its first comprehensive policy programme made no direct mention of mainland China or the Chinese-operated Chancay megaport.Prime Minister Luis Galarreta told lawmakers on Thursday that commercial openness would remain a state policy under Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori’s administration.
“During 2026, we will promote the entry into force of the free-trade agreement with Hong Kong, advance new agreements and promote regional exports,” Galarreta said in an address outlining the government’s priorities before the Chamber of Deputies.
08:02Uncertainty surrounds Peru’s new Chinese-built Chancay megaport The commitment was the only explicit reference to Hong Kong in Galarreta’s 18-page address, which focused heavily on domestic security, economic growth, infrastructure, mining investment and government reform.
