Lima, October 22 (RHC-Andina) -- Peru expects to conclude negotiations for trade agreements with Honduras and Turkey by the end of 2014, says Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) Magali Silva.

She revealed during the presentation of the ministry's proposed budget for 2015 that Peru had signed and brought into force 17 trade agreements, which give the nation's products access to 52 international markets.

“Peru is currently negotiating with these countries [Honduras and Turkey] but, most importantly, more than 95 per cent of our exports will be shipped under preferential rates,” she noted.

Likewise, Silva highlighted the two multilateral deals signed with the European Union and European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

She also revealed that the number of Peru’s trade offices abroad increased by 18 branches set up in 2013 and brought the total to 36 this year.

“We plan to open four more offices by 2015, as we look to further enhance our presence in northern Europe, as well as in Asia, namely Singapore; we also need to open offices in Oceania, probably in Australia, although I would not rule out the possibility to establish one in New Zealand,” Silva added.