Peruvian products prove popular in the UAE with exports rising by a third in one year

Alvaro Silva-Santisteban, Director of the Trade and Investment Office of Peru, said the sectors with the highest growth include mining, construction materials, food and beverages, home décor and garments.

"These are the strategic sectors in which we know Peru has an immense competitive advantage," Silva-Santisteban said.

"Our latest data reflects a 60% increase in F&B exports, which indicates we have progressed from sporadic exports of certain products to more sustainable exports. In 2010, we could only find Peruvian asparagus and grapes on supermarket shelves in the UAE, but today we can also find mangoes, avocados, quinoa, coffee, evaporated milk, lucuma, giant corn, snacks, mandarins, limes, scallops, mussels, beans and more."

Peru has also seen substantial interest as an investment hub and is ranked second behind Brazil as the preferred South American country for UAE investment. The UAE is investing in sectors as diverse as shipping, tourism and hospitality.

"DP World's greenfield terminal in the port of Callao is the most modern port on the west coast and has transformed container operations. It recently increased capacity, making Callao the premier transshipment port on South America's west coast," Silva-Santisteban said.

"Another major UAE investment is IPIC [International Petroleum Investment Company] which is expanding its oil exploration efforts. The most recent investment, however, is by Abraaj Capital, which is investing in leading companies such as Acurio Restaurantes led by renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, and Agency Condor Travel, the largest tour operator in the country."