José Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said on May 5 that sustainability has become a key requirement for accessing and remaining in international markets. He made these remarks during the second forum on “Sustainability in Foreign Trade,” organized by the Association of Exporters (ADEX).
The topic matters as companies aiming to compete globally must now meet sustainability standards, which can influence their ability to enter demanding markets and support long-term economic growth. The event was attended by Nelly Paredes del Castillo, Minister of Environment; César Tello Ramírez, president of ADEX; private sector representatives; specialists; and other stakeholders involved in foreign trade.
In his opening remarks, Reyes Llanos highlighted the government’s coordinating role and outlined concrete tools to support exporting businesses. He emphasized the Export Productive Route (RPE) as central to strategies that boost competitiveness with an environmental focus. “Today, sustainability is no longer a trend but an indispensable condition for competing in global trade. For this reason, this meeting seeks to promote the inclusion of sustainable criteria in business strategies, generate synergies among key actors, and open new business opportunities that allow our companies to position themselves in more demanding markets,” he said.
Reyes Llanos also said that from the perspective of foreign trade policy, sustainability is recognized as a strategic approach to transform natural wealth into social well-being and sustainable economic growth. In line with the Multisectoral National Policy on Foreign Trade toward 2040, various actions are being implemented to improve market access, diversify export offerings, and promote products with higher added value while ensuring quality and sustainability.
The minister explained that through RPE efforts—developed together with PromPerú—tools are being created to help exporters meet international standards such as due diligence requirements under European deforestation regulations. Additionally, he noted joint initiatives between his ministry and the Ministry of Environment supporting 19 coffee and cocoa organizations across several regions by developing guides on circular economy practices aimed at making supply chains more efficient.
César Tello Ramírez said: “Peru closed 2025 with over US$90 billion in total exports—a historic record—and achieved a 21% increase compared to the previous year. Only in December did we register our highest monthly amount ever at US$9.351 billion.” Tello Ramírez also stressed that responsible growth should integrate business competitiveness with environmental care.
According to the official website, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism contributes to cultural progress by fostering sustainable tourism development throughout Peru while promoting social inclusion initiatives.
