On occasion of the Independence day of Peru today (July 28), Việt Nam News presents an article written by Luis Tsuboyama, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Peru.

On the 195th anniversary of the independence of Republic of Peru, it is good time to look back the achievements that Peru and Việt Nam have made so far, as well as the outlook both will pursue in the coming years.

The political and diplomatic relations between the two countries have been enhanced in a wider and deeper way. This has been shown through the bilateral meeting between Mr Ollanta Humala Tasso and Mr Trương Tấn Sang, on the sideline of the APEC Leader’s Summit held in Manila, the Philippines last year. Both leaders were committed to share experiences in successfully implementing the Trans - Pacific Partnership (TPP) once it comes into force. Also, it was agreed that Peru and Việt Nam will support each other and work closely to ensure the success of the APEC hosting roles (2016 and 2017).

It must be highlighted that during the APEC Summit this year in Lima, the new President of Việt Nam - Mr Trần Đại Quang will be meeting with the just-elected President of Peru - Mr Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, to discuss ways to improve the relations between the two countries in a more integrated world. It is hoped that the co-operation agreements on fishery, drug control, and culture will be signed by this time, which would certainly contribute to a deeper relationship between the two nations. 

Ancient history: The photo shows an image of Machu Picchu, the Lost city of the Incas.— Photo www.lonelyplanet.com

Last year, we witnessed the signing of the establishment of Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical Co-operation between Peru and Việt Nam. This, together with the TPP, certainly paved a way for developing the economic links between the two countries. To prove this, the two-way trade turnover increased to US$395 million in 2015 (a growth of 128 per cent compared to 2013). The investment of Viettel and PetroVietnam in Peru has continued to expand, which boosts the flow of Vietnamese people coming to work. Also, more and more Vietnamese businessmen have visited Peru for exploring the business opportunities (an increase of 300 per cent in the number of visa applications).

On cultural promotion, the word “Peru” has become known to more Vietnamese people, especially the youth. This is promoted through a series of activities and initiatives that the Embassy of Peru in Việt Nam has been carrying out with its Vietnamese partners. To begin with, the club “Peru and friends” has been founded at the Olympia School in early 2016, and run by its students. Since the establishment, the club has organised some activities within the school such as: Peruvian corner, presentation of Peruvian gastronomy in order for the other students to learn about Peru. Also, a course of Latin American history was delivered to a class of young students at the Spanish Faculty – Hà Nội University, led by the Embassy of Peru. 

To continue the promotion of Peru in Việt Nam, the gastronomic festival and the business seminars (e.g. Coffee, Maca and Tourism) have been organised successfully in Hà Nội and HCM City, and will be replicated in other cities. It is hoped that the people - to - people relationship will be a cornerstone contributing for a better understanding of Peru in Việt Nam, and creating awareness of our millenary history, diverse culture, multiethnic identity and positive economic growth. — VNS