Peru will soon start exporting gold directly to India, Javier Paulinich, Peruvian Ambassador to India said on Friday.
He was speaking at a cultural program held to mark the 192nd anniversary of the Independence of Peru.
“Earlier we used to do it via Switzerland. But, now we will directly reach out to India. It will approximately account for exports worth Rs 800 million,” he said. The South American country which recently celebrated 50 years of bilateral relations with India, is one of the largest exporters of silver, lead, tin and gold.
Trade relations
The Ambassador also said that many jewellers in Karnataka are also being contacted to further the trade relations. “We are getting a trade delegation of jewellers and gold importers to visit Peru and do a study there and also hold talks regarding investments,” said Vikram Vishwanath, Honorary Consul of Peru in Bangalore.
Talking about the growing trade relations between the two countries, Paulinich said Karnataka was a huge trading hub. “We have a lot to learn from the Forest department, the IT industry and the education sector. Also, we want to explore many more tourism initiatives in the State.”
Talks with private sellers
Peru, also known for its Quin oa crop - cereal with high nutrition content, is soon to enter Indian markets. “We want bring the cereal to India. We are in talks with private sellers and are also open to government agencies to supply them here,” said Paulinich.
He also expressed happiness that Peru was a popular tourist destination. “The number of Indian tourists visiting our country has doubled since last year. Macchu Pichhu remains a favourite destination with many.”