PERUVIAN President Dina Boluarte has requested Malaysia to consider opening an office in Peru to help facilitate halal certification of Peruvian products, as Malaysia’s halal certification is recognised worldwide, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

“I have agreed to facilitate Peru’s request as soon as possible,” he told the Malaysian media after a bilateral meeting with Boluarte on the sidelines of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco today.

Also present during the meeting were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States Nazri Abdul Aziz and lawmaker Sim Tze Tzin.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Boluarte has invited him to visit Peru next year in conjunction with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2024, which Peru is chairing.

He said the Peruvian president also invited Malaysian businesses to visit and invest in Peru.

Meanwhile, Anwar thanked the Peruvian authorities for rescuing and assisting 43 Malaysians who were victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation in Peru recently.

“Boluarte has conveyed her government’s commitment to prevent and combat trafficking in persons,” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia has reiterated its commitment to continue training Peruvian officials under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme and to learn from each other’s expertise.

On Peru’s request to establish a development partnership status with Asean, he said Malaysia is supportive in principle.

Both leaders also discussed women empowerment and climate change, he added.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Peru stood at US$168.45 million (RM751.77 million) from January to June, an increase of 12.8% from US$155.97 million (RM666.44 million) recorded over the same period in 2022. – Bernama, November 17, 2023.