"We are calling a meeting of technical teams at the end of March or beginning of April, and we hope to launch the negotiations with China this year," said Araoz.

The statement came one week after the minister said the two nations would begin a feasibility study on a bilateral free trade agreement.

Araoz also said Peru is working with the private sector on defining the terms of a trade deal with South Korea; and possible free trade agreements were under consideration with Canada and the European Free Trade Association whose members are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

As member of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), Peru is also working on an association agreement with the 27-member European Union.

CAN nations will meet to discuss the EU talks in March, Araoz said.