AGP Executive Report

Paraguay–Brazil Trade & Logistics: The Joint Paraguayan-Brazilian Commission set new operating hours for the Integration Bridge over the Paraná River, effective Monday 14 Sept 2026—empty heavy lorries will move in an expanded overnight window (18:00–05:00), while light vehicles and private cars get a regular daily schedule (07:00–13:00) for residents of specific border communities. Agri-Tech & Automation: Paraguay is pushing ahead with an AI-led autonomous aerial spraying project, aiming to build unmanned ultralight aircraft for crop applications, targeting up to 300,000 litres capacity and about 1,000 hectares per day. Foreign Investment: A new Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) and FLAR study points to a broader FDI wave since 2008–2024, led by real estate, trade, transport and telecoms/data processing, with Paraguay receiving an average US$590m annually. AI & International Links: The third Taiwan–Paraguay Technology Forum (11–12 Sept) will focus on AI’s impact across sectors like energy, digital health and smart agriculture, with free in-person attendance at the Central Bank convention center. Crypto & Policy Watch: Sweden ordered six crypto firms to pay nearly $56m in additional taxes after tax authorities said structures concealed mining activity to claim benefits. Global Context: A study flags Paraguay among Latin America “plastic pollution hotspots,” while UN carbon credit rule changes face lobbying pressure from developers, buyers and NGOs.

FDI Pulse: Paraguay’s foreign investment base is widening beyond traditional sectors, with a Central Bank/FLAR study tracking US$590m average annual FDI inflows (2008-2024) and showing the number of investing countries rising from 39 to 68, led by real estate, trade, transport, telecoms and data processing. Tech & AI Capacity: The third Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum (Sept 11-12) will be held at the Central Bank convention center, focusing on AI, innovation and strategic sectors like energy, digital health and smart agriculture, with free in-person attendance. Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to expand Paraguay’s regional links, including a new Asunción–Montevideo route starting Q1 2027 (five weekly flights) and more frequency to São Paulo and Lima. Energy Planning: Paraguay is seeking predictability as it draws resources from the Itaipu Binational Hydroelectric Station to fund construction projects and social investments. Cross-border Payments: SQRIL says it’s enabling banks and neobanks to let users scan-and-pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa and Latin America in home currency, with payouts handled locally.

EU Trade Shock: The EU’s Sept. 3 ban on Brazilian beef, poultry and related animal products (including honey) over antibiotic compliance has taken effect, with UK farmers warning about price spillovers if surplus product reroutes. Customs Crackdown: Paraguay and partner agencies joined a WCO-coordinated Operation COLIBRI ZAFIRO, running 1,431 general aviation checks across 19 countries and netting 15 seizures, including about 1.2 tonnes of narcotics and 11 light aircraft. Foreign Investment Pulse: Paraguay is seeing a broader foreign capital inflow beyond finance, led by real estate, trade, telecoms and transport, according to a Central Bank/FLAR study tracking FDI from 2008-2024. Tech & Payments: SQRIL says it’s expanding into traditional banking by enabling bank and neobank apps to let users scan and pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa and Latin America. AI & Academia: Asunción will host the third Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum (Sept. 11-12) focused on AI, innovation and cybersecurity, with free in-person attendance at the Central Bank venue. Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to add an Asunción–Montevideo direct route in early 2027 (five weekly flights), alongside more frequencies to São Paulo and Lima. Sports Spotlight: Rally del Paraguay delivered a WRC milestone as Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen won their third straight championship round.

UN Human Rights Council: The 63rd UNHRC session opens in Geneva on Sept. 7, with Paraguay-relevant global rights themes on sanctions, water access, modern slavery, detention, and enforced disappearances. Climate & land use: WWF highlights that the Pantanal is drying out as climate change and neighboring biome impacts intensify, with over 1 million hectares of flooded savanna lost by 2025 vs 1985. Air connectivity: LATAM plans to expand Paraguay’s routes, including a new Asunción–Montevideo service starting Q1 2027 (five weekly flights), plus more frequency to São Paulo and Lima. Business & innovation: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7-8, with MIC backing and a GUIDEX platform to help SMEs export. Trade & food exports: EU suspends Brazilian meat and related animal product imports over antimicrobial compliance, escalating a Mercosur trade dispute that could ripple across Paraguay’s beef market. Regional integration: Italy’s exports to Mercosur rose 21.1% in May 2026, with Paraguay among the fastest-growing destinations. Local society: Indigenous women in Paraguay are pushing for official recognition of traditional midwives amid discrimination and limited hospital access.

EU-Mercosur Trade Tension: The EU has suspended imports of Brazilian beef, poultry, eggs and honey after Brazil failed to provide enough guarantees on antimicrobial rules; Brazil’s EU ambassador says inspections aren’t needed and warns of possible retaliation, while the EU insists the approach is non-discriminatory. Paraguay Business & Trade: A separate Irish proposal would require prominent “Mercosur Meat” labeling for products sold in Ireland, explicitly covering Paraguay among Mercosur countries. Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to expand Paraguay’s routes, including a new Asunción–Montevideo direct service starting in Q1 2027 with five weekly flights, plus more frequency to São Paulo and Lima. SME Support & Innovation: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress (Sept 7-8) in Asunción, with MIC backing and a GUIDEX platform launched to help SMEs navigate exports. Indigenous Health Rights: Indigenous women in Paraguay are calling for official recognition of traditional midwives, citing gaps in public health services and discrimination in hospitals. Climate Watch (Regional): WWF warns the Pantanal is drying as climate change and land-use shifts across neighboring biomes reduce flooded areas.

Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to expand Paraguay’s links with a new Asunción–Montevideo route starting Q1 2027 (five weekly flights), plus more frequency to São Paulo and Lima, discussed with President Santiago Peña at Mburuvicha Róga. Trade & Industry: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7–8, with MIC backing and a GUIDEX platform to help SMEs navigate exports and reach international markets. EU–Mercosur Tensions (Meat): The EU suspended imports of Brazilian beef, poultry, eggs, honey and more over antimicrobial compliance concerns; Brazil warns of retaliation and says negotiations continue—while Mercosur ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution, with Paraguay pushing for an equal 25% share. Paraguay in Sports/Business Spotlight: Inter Miami signed Paraguayan midfielder Matías Gallardo on loan from River Plate, reuniting him with Lionel Messi. Indigenous Health Policy: Indigenous women in Paraguay renewed calls for official recognition of traditional midwives, citing discrimination and limited access to public health services.

Air Connectivity: LATAM plans to expand Paraguay’s links, including a new Asunción–Montevideo route starting in early 2027 (five weekly flights, pending approval) and higher frequencies to São Paulo and Lima, discussed with President Santiago Peña at Mburuvicha Róga. Trade & Agriculture: The EU’s suspension of Brazilian meat and other animal-product imports over antimicrobial rules took effect Sept. 3, with Brazil warning of retaliation; the dispute also feeds into MERCOSUR’s ongoing fight over EU export quotas, where Paraguay pushes for an equal 25% share for full members. Business & Innovation: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7–8 in Asunción, with MIC support and a new GUIDEX platform to help SMEs navigate exports and reach international markets. Regional Economy: Italy’s exports to Mercosur rose 21.1% in May 2026, with Paraguay among the fastest growers (+95.6%), signaling early momentum from the EU–Mercosur deal. Local Economy Watch: Paraguay’s government is preparing a US$27.7bn national budget for 2027, a key signal for public spending priorities.

EU Trade Shock: The European Union’s suspension of Brazilian meat and animal-product imports (beef, poultry, eggs, honey and more) took effect Sept. 3 after Brazil failed to provide enough guarantees on antimicrobial rules, with audits continuing for poultry and honey but beef left out—sparking threats of retaliation from Brasília. MERCOSUR Quota Tensions: MERCOSUR ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution; Paraguay pushed for an equal 25% share for full members, setting up a new face-to-face review in 45–60 days. Paraguay Business & Tech: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7–8 in Asunción, with MIC support and a new GUIDEX platform to help SMEs navigate exports. Paraguay Exports Momentum: Italian exports to Mercosur rose 21.1% in May 2026, with Paraguay up 95.6% year-on-year—highlighting early gains tied to the EU-Mercosur deal. Regional Air Links: Argentina and Uruguay signed an air services liberalization agreement to expand passenger and cargo capacity, supporting competition, tourism and trade. Health & Compliance Watch: Brazil’s EU ambassador said inspections are “unnecessary” and warned of countermeasures, while the EU insists its approach is non-discriminatory.

EU Meat Ban Hits Brazil Exports: The EU suspended imports of Brazilian beef, pork, chicken, eggs, honey and other animal products from Sept. 3, citing insufficient guarantees on antimicrobial rules (no growth-promoting antibiotics; limits on human-medicine antimicrobials). The EU says there’s no claim of widespread contamination, but beef is expected to face longer delays than poultry/honey while an audit runs. MERCOSUR Quota Fight: MERCOSUR foreign ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution, with Paraguay pushing an equal 25% share for full members; a new meeting is set in 45–60 days. Paraguay Business Push: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress (Sept. 7–8) in Asunción, with MIC backing and a GUIDEX platform to help SMEs export. Trade Signals for the Region: Italian exports to Mercosur rose 21.1% in May to €745m, with Paraguay up 95.6% year-on-year. Security & Fraud Risk: A report warns of “Breeze Comet” hackers infiltrating Brazilian financial systems to trigger fraudulent payments—an exposure that could spread regionally.

EU Trade Shock: The European Commission suspended imports of Brazilian meat (beef, poultry, eggs, honey) from Sept. 3 over antibiotic/antimicrobial compliance concerns, with beef expected to take longer to resume after audits. MERCOSUR Quota Tensions: MERCOSUR ministers met in Montevideo without consensus on EU export quota distribution; Paraguay pushed for an equal 25% share for full members, setting up a new face-to-face review in 45–60 days. US Beef Import Plan: A US move to allow up to 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef is raising questions on what’s truly “new” supply; an economist says Brazil and Paraguay are best positioned to fill the “other countries” category. Paraguay Export Push: Paraguay is launching a campaign to expand yerba mate sales in Türkiye, with ambitions to reach Azerbaijan and the wider Middle East/Caucasus. Security & Training: Massachusetts National Guard medics and engineers trained with Paraguayan forces in critical care interventions and renovated key training infrastructure near Asunción. Digital Crime Watch: A report says hackers infiltrated Brazilian financial systems to trigger fraudulent payments, highlighting regional cyber risk. Crypto Safety Angle: A Canadian crypto founder’s death in Paraguay is being discussed internationally in the context of rising “wrench attacks.” Community & Housing: TECHO Paraguay’s national collection (Sept. 4–5) targets families living on dirt floors, mobilizing 8,400 volunteers across six departments.

Budget Watch: Paraguay’s Economy Minister Oscar Lovera presented the proposed 2027 General National Budget to Congress: ₲166.3 trillion (about US$27.7bn), up 11.5% from 2026, with major allocations for health (₲18.2tn), education (₲10.4tn) and social programs plus infrastructure and debt coverage. Trade & Diplomacy: Paraguay is pushing yerba mate into Türkiye and aiming next for Azerbaijan and the wider Middle East/Caucasus, using economic diplomacy to create jobs and brand recognition abroad. Agribusiness Exports: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit $220m in 2025 and could reach ~$300m in 2026, helped by private-sector efforts to make origin visible in supermarkets. Cyber & Payments Risk: A Brazilian-focused fraud operation (“Breeze Comet”) reportedly infiltrated financial and payment systems to trigger fraudulent transfers, a reminder for regional firms to tighten payment security and access controls. Community & Housing: TECHO Paraguay’s national collection returns Sept 4-5 with 8,400 volunteers across six departments to fund emergency homes for families living on earth floors. Sports Business: Paraguay’s yerba mate push and its growing international profile also show up in wider regional sports activity, including Paraguay’s participation in international football friendlies.

Paraguay Budget Watch: Paraguay’s Economy Minister Oscar Lovera submitted a proposed 2027 General National Budget to Congress totaling ₲166.3 trillion (about US$27.7bn), up 11.5% from 2026, with major allocations for health (₲18.2tn), education (₲10.4tn), social programs for vulnerable children (₲65bn), and funding for medicines procurement. Beef Trade Push: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit $220m in 2025 and could reach around $300m in 2026, after efforts to make origin visible to retailers; he also points to broader cooperation in water, innovation, defense and technology. EU Trade Pressure on Region: The EU will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday over insufficient guarantees on animal health rules and antibiotic misuse tracking, with poultry possibly resuming sooner than beef. Security & Cybercrime: A Brazilian-focused fraud campaign dubbed BREEZE COMET reportedly breached payment and banking systems to execute hundreds of fraudulent transactions, targeting banks, fintechs and payment processors. Climate Risk: El Niño has entered a critical phase with over 90% probability of very strong intensity, raising concerns for food security, hydroelectric generation and public health across the region. Sports & Business Spotlight: Paraguay’s Senate approved a bill establishing an Evangelical Church Day on the last Sunday of October, not a public holiday.

National Budget: Paraguay’s Economy Minister Oscar Lovera submitted a proposed 2027 General National Budget to Congress totaling ₲166.3 trillion (about US$27.7bn), up 11.5% from 2026, with major allocations for health (₲18.2tn), education (₲10.4tn), social programs for vulnerable children (₲65bn), and funding for medicines and teacher pay. Beef Trade & Diplomacy: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit US$220m in 2025 and could reach around US$300m in 2026, helped by private-sector growth and efforts to make the “Paraguay” origin visible in Israeli retail; he also points to cooperation beyond trade, including water and innovation. EU Market Access Risk for Mercosur: The EU announced it will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday over antibiotic compliance guarantees, with poultry possibly resuming sooner after audits, but beef likely taking longer—an issue that could ripple across Mercosur buyers including Paraguay. Cybercrime Watch: Brazilian financial and retail firms are facing a fraud campaign by threat actor “BREEZE COMET,” which reportedly breaches payment platforms and executes fraudulent transfers in waves, targeting banks, processors, fintechs, and banking-software providers. Health & Pharma: Knight Therapeutics received Colombian regulatory approval for TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib) for adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia, with the company noting it has also been pursuing approvals across Latin America including Paraguay. Policy & Trade Context: India urged Brazil to adopt more predictable regulatory pathways to boost pharma exports and agreed to move ahead on expanding the India-Mercosur trade pact’s scope. Sports Rights With Regional Links: SBS secured exclusive rights to broadcast the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Australia, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay before the tournament moves to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

Paraguay-EU Trade Watch: The EU will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday over antibiotic-compliance guarantees, a move that could ripple across Mercosur supply chains that include Paraguay. Beef Market Signals: In the US, an executive order will allow 300,000 tons of foreign ground beef imports under a tariff-rate quota, with Paraguay named among the countries in scope—an important pricing signal for regional exporters. Paraguay-Israel Business Push: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel says exports hit $220M in 2025 and could reach ~$300M in 2026, while embassy efforts focus on turning political support into practical trade and cooperation, including beef visibility in supermarkets. Health & Pharma Access: Knight Therapeutics received Colombian regulatory approval for TAVALISSE for chronic immune thrombocytopenia, with the company noting submissions across Latin America including Paraguay. Regional Sports Economy: FIBA confirmed 16 clubs for the 2026 Liga Sudamericana de Baloncesto, with Paraguay’s Olimpia Kings and San José among the participants. Cybercrime Alert (Regional): Brazilian payment and e-commerce firms are being targeted by “Breeze Comet,” highlighting ongoing fraud risks across the region’s financial rails.

Evangelical Community Recognition: Paraguay’s Senate approved a bill establishing an annual national Evangelical Church Day on the last Sunday of October, aimed at highlighting the churches’ historical, cultural, social, educational, humanitarian and spiritual contributions; it is not a public holiday and won’t be mandatory in the school calendar. EU Trade Shock for Mercosur Meat: The EU will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday after Brazil failed to provide enough guarantees on animal health rules, including antibiotic-use compliance; poultry could resume within weeks if an audit goes well, but beef may take longer—an issue that matters for Paraguay’s regional beef trade. Paraguay-Israel Beef Push: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, says Paraguayan beef exports hit $220m in 2025 and could reach about $300m in 2026, helped by efforts to boost visibility of Paraguayan origin for Israeli buyers. World Cup Media Rights With Paraguay in the Host Mix: SBS confirmed it will retain exclusive broadcast rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay before the tournament moves to Morocco, Portugal and Spain—keeping Paraguay in the spotlight for regional football tourism and business. Motorsport Growth in Paraguay: President Santiago Peña joined FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem at Rally del Paraguay, highlighting motorsport’s expansion and the event’s growing fan base, with 300,000 attendees reported. Public Procurement Modernization: A draft set of 2026 public procurement regulations signals a shift toward more structured, data-driven planning and supplier databases, pushing institutions away from manual compliance toward smarter automation. Regional Health Capacity Building: PAHO/WHO ran a bioinformatics course in Panama for genomic surveillance specialists, including participants from Paraguay, to strengthen how genomic data turns into public health decisions. Asunción Networking Scene: The Asunción Times profiled Mariana Martínez, a PhD biologist and microbiology lab head, reflecting the city’s growing mix of local expertise and international community around business and ideas.

UN Diplomacy & Energy Risk: UNGA 2026 kicks off Sept. 22 with Trump expected to dominate the agenda as the US-Iran war keeps the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, raising economic pressure and sharpening calls for more UN support. World Cup Media Rights (Paraguay angle): SBS secured exclusive free-to-air rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay—boosting regional visibility for Paraguay as a host. EU Trade Shock for Mercosur Meat: The EU will suspend imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from Thursday over animal-health and antibiotic rules, with poultry possibly resuming sooner than beef—an indirect risk for Mercosur exporters including Paraguay. Pharma Trade Push (Mercosur includes Paraguay): India urged Brazil to adopt more predictable pharma regulation to expand market access, and both sides discussed early steps to broaden the India-Mercosur trade pact. Paraguay Health Labor Fallout: Nearly 300 public-sector specialist doctors in Paraguay plan mass resignations after a five-day strike over wages, supplies and contract terms, threatening pediatric surgery services. Paraguay Investment & Residency: Asunción’s Investing in Paraguay Forum returns Sept. 7, focusing on sectors eligible for the Paraguay Investor Pass (stock market, real estate, tourism) tied to immediate permanent residency. Weight-loss Drug Smuggling Spillover: Reuters reports Brazil’s weight-loss drug black market is being fed by seizures of tirzepatide/semaglutide shipments arriving from Paraguay, highlighting enforcement and health risks. Motorsport Growth: Paraguay’s rally spotlight continues as FIA President Ben Sulayem and President Peña mark a “new era” for rallying, with major fan turnout and international attention. Sports Business Note: Liga Sudamericana de Baloncesto 2026 confirms Olimpia Kings and San José as Paraguay’s teams, starting Oct. 2.