LIMA, May 19 (Bernama) -- Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed is confident that the implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement will drive two-way trade between Malaysia and Peru.

He said this is becasue Peru was among the 12 countries, including Malaysia, which signed the TPP Agreement on Feb 4, 2016 in New Zealand.

Mustapa, who signed the biggest global free trade agreement of the 21st Century on behalf of Malaysia, said towards this end, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) had held its inaugural investment seminar here.

"We have a seminar for the first time in history. We have forged diplomatic ties for 30 years already.

"First time we are having an investment seminar...hence it's important to give exposure on Malaysia, and also important because Peru is implementing several policies to transform its economy," he said to Bernama TV.

Mustapa said trade relations between Peru and Malaysia would continue to increase in future years as the TPP would open wider room and opportunities for Malaysian products and services to enter the South American market.

"We are confident (trade) will increase when the TPP is implemented, God willing, in two years' time."

Mustapa is leading a trade and investment mission organised by Matrade to three countries -- Peru, Mexico and Chile, from May 14-27, 2016.

The investment seminar held on Monday was also organised in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Malaysia-Peru bilateral relations.

A total of 15 Malaysian companies are participating in the mission, aimed at increasing bilateral trade, especially export, besides exploring business opportunities through cooperation with the business community in South America.

Mustapa said todate there was a Malaysian citizen, John Tey Chee Kiong, who hailed from Batu Pahat, Johor, involved in oil palm planting operations in Peru.

Hence, he encouraged more companies to take the opportunities to carry out businesses in Peru.

Meanwhile, Tey, who has been operating his business in Peru since 1993, also shared his experience as an encouragement to lure Malaysians to grab the opportunities to invest in Peru.

-- BERNAMA