Peru seeks stronger trading ties with China

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In a trade mission to China this week, president Alejandro Toledo of Peru will urge China to make Peru an important partner in investment. Mr. Toledo will attempt to get the Chinese to agree to lower tariffs, as well as to invest in airlines, oil exploration and in the development of ports. Peru is in the process of attempting to overcome a slow start on trade with China. While Perus exports to China grew by 50 percent between 2000 and 2003, Brazils exports to China grew by 503 percent in the same period. Argentinas and Chiles exports to China also grew greatly in that period, with Argentina exports growing by 363 percent and Chiles exports growing by 238 percent. With over half of their exports to China in minerals, Perus exports to China totaled $1.2 billion last year and are expected to grow to $2.6 billion this year. During negotiations, Mr. Toledo may well emphasize the fact that Peru and China have had diplomatic relations for one hundred and fifty years and that his country has the largest population of Chinese immigrants in Latin America.