Truss Welcomes Peru to the Cairns Group

Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, has announced that Peru will be joining the Cairns Group as its newest member.

Mr Truss, who is chair of the 19 member group of major agricultural exporters, said that Cairns Group members had welcomed Peru to its first Cairns Group meeting in Geneva on 21 November.

“I welcome Peru’s strong commitment to the Doha negotiations and the need for fundamental reform of trade in agriculture which are key platforms being pursued by the Cairns Group”.

“Peru is a growing economy with a population of nearly 30 million people which stands to benefit significantly from further multilateral trade reform.”

“In recent years Peru has liberalised its own agricultural sector and has seen the benefits that brings. It now wants to help the Cairns Group continue the fight to break down the barriers to world trade in farm products.”

“I am delighted that Cairns Group members have agreed to Peru’s immediate participation in meetings of the Group in Geneva particularly ongoing technical work looking to find ways through the current impasse in the Doha negotiations.”

“I also look forward to welcoming Peru formally into the Cairns Group at our next Ministerial Meeting in Pakistan in April next year.”

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555