FACTBOX-Facts about Peru's new finance minister

LIMA Dec 22 (Reuters) - Peruvian President Alan Garcia named a new finance minister on Tuesday to replace Luis Carranza, who helped steer the country's mining-heavy economy to investment grade status. [ID:nN22108785]

Here are some facts about new Finance Minister Mercedes Araoz:

* A former trade minister, Araoz oversaw the signing of several free-trade accords during her term, including Peru's high-profile deal with the United States and similar agreements with China and Canada.

* Garcia named her as production minister earlier this year as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle.

* Araoz, an economist, received a masters in economics from the University of Miami in Florida. She did her undergraduate studies in Peru.

* She joined Garcia's cabinet in 2006 with her appointment as trade and tourism minister. Before that, Araoz headed the country's National Competition Council. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Helen Popper; Editing by Padraic Cassidy)