A new approach to bilateral cooperation is a partnership based on shared interests and goals—a non-aid approach.
In terms of cooperation programs, Peru is one of the 20 focus countries for Canadian international cooperation, from a political decision of the government of Prime Minister Harper. In terms of the Canadian cooperation to Peru approach, it is $30 million Canadian, especially in program development in such areas as capacity building, particularly in rural governments in Peru; conflict management; and education for employment, among others.
With regard to economic relations, the total bilateral trade between Peru and Canada in 2012 was $3.906 billion U.S. The main Peruvian exports to Canada are minerals—gold, lead, silver—fish, oil, and coffee. The main Canadian exports to Peru are wheat, lentils, paper, machinery, and airplanes. Canadian investments in Peru approached $8 billion, mainly in the mining sector.
I would like to state here that in the last year, the importation of Canadian goods, after the signing of the free trade agreement, grew and grew each year, maybe by 10% to 25% per year, in terms of exports from Canada to Peru.
We have other areas on the bilateral agenda: defence and security, immigration issues, multilateral affairs, labour, environment, etc. We have a shared agenda toward common goals, such as an economic alliance, of course in the framework of the free trade agreement.
With regard to developing social inclusion, Peru acknowledges Canadian government action to support economic growth and social development in partner countries with strong extractive sectors, which share with Canada such values as democratic governance, human rights, and social inclusion.
Peru has already expressed its willingness to work jointly with Canada for the establishment of a branch of the International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development, which is at the University of British Columbia. The Government of Peru confirms that a branch of this institute has been put in Peru.
In terms of entry into the Pacific Alliance, as you know, the Pacific Alliance was established by the Lima declaration signed by the presidents of Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico on April 28, 2011.
I would like to say very clearly that it was a Peruvian initiative. It was an initiative of the Government of Peru.
The main objective of the alliance is to attain the four fundamental freedoms of a common market: the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people.
Bilateral free trade agreements enforce among all member countries a significant basis for common negotiations. Member countries of the alliance are strongly committed to the promotion of democratic regimes, the rule of law, and international trade.
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