LIMA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Peru exports some 20 billion U.S. dollars to member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, second Vice President Mercedes Araoz said Monday.
With that in mind, to host the APEC leaders' meeting later this month offers Peru a valuable opportunity to bolster trade ties and investment, she said.
"Being put before the eyes of the world helps Peru renew its growth, based on the possibilities to expand our relations," state news service Andina cited Araoz as saying.
Peru's exports to APEC economies "border 20 billion U.S. dollars," with investment from APEC in 2015 amounting to 8 billion dollars, said Araoz.
As a result, Peru considers its ties with APEC to be very important, Andina said.
The theme of this year's meeting is "Quality Growth and Human Development."
"There is a very positive agenda aimed at better integrating us into the region. I think this is a good opportunity for people to get to know us, and to let them know about APEC is a good thing," said Araoz.
A parallel business forum, called the APEC CEO Summit, is set to draw high-profile business leaders such as Jack Ma, the founder of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, and business delegations from APEC's 21 member economies, which together represent 53 percent of world trade.
Peru's capital Lima is set to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Week from Nov. 14-20.