India has sent a donation of 1,000 doses of human immunoglobulin for the treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, ahead of the visit of Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs, Saurabh Kumar to Peru and Paraguay next week.
The Ambassador of India in Peru, Vishvas Vidu Sapkal and the Vice Minister of Public Health, Ricardo Peña Sánchez signed the document of receipt of an important batch of human immunoglobulin. Also present during the ceremony was General Director for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador María Eugenia Echeverría.
It is important to note that within the framework of the Epidemiological Alert the government of Peru issued in June due to the unusual increase in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs transmitted the request for donation of human immunoglobulin communicated by the Ministry of Health to the other diplomatic missions.
Agenda of Secretary East in Peru
According to sources the visit of Secretary Saurav Kumar to the South American nation is a follow up to the recent visit of Teresa Mera Gomez, Vice Minister of Trade of Peru in August for the India-LAC Conclave.
The Vice Minister during her visit had expressed optimism, and had said that the next round (sixth) of negotiations for India-Peru trade agreement will take place soon. This round is expected to build on the success of the fifth round which had taken place in Lima, Peru before the COVID-19 pandemic
During the visit the two sides are expected to review the relations between the two countries as well as identify ways of deepening ties in various sectors.
Financial Express Online previously reported that Peru’s lithium reserves have become a game-changer. The South American nation has found high-quality lithium, even more than what Bolivia and Chile have. This discovery is an opportunity for India’s electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power plans because they need lithium for batteries.
A Big Step Forward: Chancay Port Terminal
It is not just a regular port; it can handle all sorts of cargo like containers, bulk stuff, liquids, and vehicles. This port is like a special zone for business, and it’s super important for Peru’s development plans. They’re investing US$3 billion in it, and it will bring a lot of new technology and industry to the area, which is exactly what the Peruvian government wants.
Strong Trade Ties
India and Peru have been trading with each other for a while, and even though things have been up and down, their relationship is still strong. In the year 2022-23, they traded goods worth US$3.11 billion, which is a bit less than before. India sells things like cars and steel to Peru, and Peru buys minerals, gold, oil, and fertilizers from India.
New Investment Opportunities
Peru is looking for people to invest in different things like hotels, entertainment, healthcare (that means hospitals and medical devices), and more.
Agenda in Paraguay
Secretary (east) is heading to Paraguay where the focus will be on reviewing the relations between the two countries and some MoUs are expected to be inked.
A top diplomatic source informed Financial express Online that Paraguay is interested in getting connect with tata motors who can set up their manufacturing facility in that country for affordable cars, and companies which specialize in relationship management and data storage; and companies that can help in storage facilities as Paraguay can provide cheap hydroelectric power.
Significance of the visit to Paraguay
According to the top diplomat quoted above, under Brazil’s presidency of G20, Paraguay which is part of the MERCOSUR grouping will be co-hosting the summit in 2024.