Peruvian President Ollanta Humala said Wednesday the country would aim to reach $10 billion in annual food exports in 2016.

During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Expoalimentaria trade show - the main event of the Peruvian food and agro-industry – Humala highlighted the recent growth in agriculture and fish exports.

In 2011, he said, Peru’s food exports reached $5.5 billion - an amazing figure, when you take into account the fact that until some years ago the country’s total traditional and non-traditional exports reached $10 billion, state news agency Andina reported.

“A good benchmark would be, by the end of this government, to reach $10 billion total in exports of food, apart from other traditional products,” he said.

The event, which will be held on September 19-21, expects to close deals worth US$500 million and bring together 592 exhibitors, including 442 Peruvian companies, Andina said.

This year’s Expoalimentaria will take place from September 19 to the 21st, at the Las Palmas airport in Surco.
 

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