This was through the initiative of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Bernama reported.

Anwar said Peruvian companies had expressed interest in importing Malaysia’s steel and glass construction materials, medical equipment and products, palm oil, chemicals, and food and beverage products.

“We will also take follow-up actions on logistics cooperation, especially in port-related matters, to facilitate exports between the two countries,” he said on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting in Lima.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, held a meeting with 22 captains of industry and business leaders from 17 Peruvian companies, representing several industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and products, building materials, chemical-based products, health foods and consumer goods.

So far, the companies have imported goods from Malaysia worth RM435.27 million.

Seven leading Peruvian manufacturing companies are keen to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia, especially in the food processing, integrated logistics services and pharmaceutical sectors.

Anwar also attended a roundtable meeting with Peruvian captains of industry to explore various opportunities for business collaboration.

Anwar also met newly appointed Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba and discussed the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea issue.

On the sidelines of Apec-related meetings, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz also held bilateral meetings with economy ministers from Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.

Discussions with Singapore’s minister in charge of trade relations Grace Fu touched on preparations for the Singapore-Malaysia annual leaders’ retreat, which will take place on Dec 8-9.