Written question asked by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 14 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 January 2010. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 January 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Peru: EU External Trade

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provisions of the proposed free trade agreement between Peru and the EU govern the protection of the Amazonian rainforest; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We believe that the EU-Andean multiparty trade agreement under negotiation with Peru will encourage EU investment in the economy and the further spread of EU standards in corporate and social responsibility. The Government regard trade agreements as important for economic growth and prosperity in developing countries, helping to reduce the poverty that is often the driver of conflict, displacement and human rights abuse.The UK remains committed to environmental conservation and protecting the rights of indigenous communities. We have frequent discussions with Peru on these issues. During his visit to Peru in October 2009, my hon. Friend the Minister for Latin America met members of the multi-sector committee working to strengthen consultation mechanisms with indigenous groups on the development of the Peruvian Amazon, as well as with a cross-section of domestic and international organisations working on environmental issues in Peru. He offered the Government's support to the Peruvian Government as they seek to strengthen Peru's legal framework for protecting the Amazon. We are engaging with Peru's Environment Minister on his commitment to reduce Peru's deforestation to zero by 2019.

Secondary information