Officials of both nations meet on US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement

WASHINGTON — Officials from the United States and Peru yesterday participated in the first meeting of the Labor Affairs Council that was created under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA). The meeting took place in Lima, Peru.

The American delegation was led by Carol Pier, associate deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs, and included representatives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The meeting was hosted by Peruvian Vice Minister of Labor Dr. Elisabed Zevallos Laguna and included other officials from Peru's Ministry of Labor, as well as that country's Ministry of Economy. The council is responsible for overseeing the implementation of, and reviewing progress under, the PTPA's Labor Chapter.

Meeting participants reaffirmed their commitments to adopt and maintain in law and practice the rights stated in the International Labor Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

The council further clarified the domestic mechanisms, institutions and procedures that each party has established to advance the fulfillment of the chapter's provisions. The council also discussed the status of the chapter's implementation, during which both governments identified areas of particular concern.

"Based on a productive discussion, we look forward to working with Peru on a work plan that will address the challenges that still remain to ensuring full implementation of the Labor Chapter. Through ongoing engagement, we hope to improve livelihoods and respect for workers' rights," said Pier.

The council also held a public session with workers and other civil society organizations, employers and the general public.

"We believe public sessions are critical to strengthening communication among the PTPA participants and ensuring transparency in the administration of the Labor Chapter," Pier added.