From long ago: Drawings dating back to the Moche civilisation, which flourished in northern Peru with its capital near present-day Moche and Trujillo during the Regional Development Epoch (100AD – 800AD). — Photo Courtesy of Peruvian Embassy

To mark Peru's Independence Day (July 28), Viet Nam News presents an article by Luis Tsuboyama, Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Peru in Viet Nam.

From long ago: Drawings dating back to the Moche civilisation, which flourished in northern Peru with its capital near present-day Moche and Trujillo during the Regional Development Epoch (100AD – 800AD). — Photo Courtesy of Peruvian Embassy

The 194th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Peru is the right time to highlight the relationship between Peru and Viet Nam and to look forward to deeper and wider ties. July 28 commemorates the day that Peru gained its independence. Celebrations, including folk music played in parks and and plazas, are held in towns and cities across the nation.

Achievements made between Peru and Viet Nam follow the rise of bilateral relations 21 years ago. Peru established diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in November, 1994. Since then, both countries have supported each other and become good partners in international forums such as the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FOCALAE).

Last year, a key milestone was the establishment of economic ties between the two countries. It started with the launching of the first commercial oil flow in Peru as a result of co-operation between the major oil companies in both countries, PeruPetro and PetroVietnam. Production activities of PetroVietnam in Peru are now being expanded.

In October last year, Viettel launched its only-3G telecommunication service, Bitel, to provide services for more than one million Peruvians so far. In Viet Nam, the presence of Peruvian companies has been led by the AJE group, a beverage making corporation, and Aqua Expeditions. AJE is a beverage manufacturing corporation that has expanded its business to north Vietnam, while Aqua Expeditions provides international luxury cruises.

The commercial relationship has grown more than 84 per cent in just one year. We'll develop relations with Viet Nam further by signing an agreement at the end of this year on the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical Co-operation. Both countries believe this will be an important platform to increase economic relations once established.

We are also pleased that a group of Vietnamese delegations will head for Peru this August to participate in Expoalimentaria 2015, one of the biggest fairs of its kind in Latin America. Through this, it is hoped that there will be more business opportunities offered to both Peruvian and Vietnamese companies. — VNS