AGP Executive Report

Green Hydrogen & Fertilizer Finance: DNV backed ATOME’s USD 650M Villeta green hydrogen-based fertilizer project in Paraguay, supporting lenders through technical due diligence and helping it reach financial close; the plant targets ~260,000 tpy of calcium ammonium nitrate using 100+ MW of electrolysis powered by Paraguay’s renewable hydropower. Renewables Investment Push: A separate report highlights Paraguay opening its renewable energy market to private investment, signaling more room for industrial-scale power projects. Paraguay-UK Business Link: Paraguayan postgraduate students in the UK will host “Paraguay Speaks 2026” at LSE on June 4, focusing on education, infrastructure, energy, and the economy to attract development and investment partners. Industry & Trade Context: Commentary argues Paraguay’s stability and logistics position inside MERCOSUR make it an attractive production hub for investors seeking resilience amid war risk and tariff uncertainty. Local Culture & Craft: Paraguay’s Ceramists Fair 2026 in Areguá showcased the breadth of national ceramic production, from traditional vessels to contemporary art—good visibility for creative industry makers.

Paraguay-Linked World Cup Logistics: Team Paraguay will be based in San José, with the city running month-long fan festivities and watch parties across venues like San Pedro Square, plus concerts and a July 4 drone show. Labor & Security Pressure on Matchday: U.S. hospitality and stadium workers unions warn of possible strikes during World Cup games, while ICE patrols at stadiums remain politically contentious. Agribusiness & Sustainability Trade: Chinese meat traders began buying Brazil’s “Beef on Track” certified, deforestation-free beef, with initial commitments of at least 50,000 tons—an example of how supply-chain rules are reshaping global food exports. Cyber & Geopolitics: A report flags increased China-linked cyber-espionage targeting Latin American government entities, including maritime-focused groups in Venezuela and agencies in Panama. Energy Market Reform Watch: Brazil’s regulator is reviewing changes to household cooking gas rules (partial refills, cross-brand filling), raising competition and security concerns. Tech/Finance Signal: HIVE Digital Technologies posted record fiscal 2026 revenue on Bitcoin mining growth and expanding AI HPC services.

Renewable Power Push: Paraguay opened its renewable energy market to private investment, signaling a new push for cleaner generation and new capital inflows. Energy & Policy Pipeline: The Economy Ministry also launched a university internship programme, aiming to build local talent for the next wave of industrial and economic reforms. Agribusiness Trade Signal: Chinese meat traders started buying Brazil’s “Beef on Track” deforestation-free certified beef, a move that could reshape regional cattle supply chains and raise the bar for traceability and labor standards. Cyber & Security Watch: A new report says China-linked cyber groups are stepping up operations against Latin American and Caribbean government entities, including maritime-focused targets. World Cup, Paraguay in the Spotlight: The USMNT’s opener against Paraguay is set for June 12, with Paraguay highlighted in multiple pre-tournament coverage and fan-event planning across North America. Industry Finance Angle: HIVE Digital Technologies reported a major revenue jump on expanded mining and AI computing plans, underscoring how power and data infrastructure are becoming central to industrial growth.

Paraguay–US World Cup spotlight: The U.S. opens its World Cup campaign in Group D against Paraguay on June 12, with Paraguay ranked 40th and returning after a 16-year absence—while U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino keeps expectations tempered ahead of a final tune-up vs Germany. Local culture & textiles: Piribebuy weavers showcased the 60-Stripe Poncho Para’i in a mastery competition, with UNESCO-backed preservation efforts and top prizes for Rosa Segovia, Fidelina Burgos, and Marlene Marín. Renewables push: Paraguay is opening its renewable energy market to private investment, signaling fresh opportunities for power projects and industrial growth. Diplomacy with Israel: Paraguay marked independence day at its Jerusalem embassy, highlighting deepening ties with Israel and trade links. Industry finance signal: HIVE Digital Technologies reported a major revenue surge on mining expansion and AI HPC growth—an indirect read-through for Paraguay’s own data-center and energy discussions.

Paraguay-Israel Diplomacy: Paraguay marked its Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, with Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman saying the country is in Jerusalem “because it believes in Israel,” tying the message to shared dates of independence. Textile Heritage: Piribebuy weavers competed in the Poncho Para’i “60-Stripe” Mastery Competition, spotlighting traditional backstrap-loom skills and UNESCO-linked safeguarding efforts. Energy & Power Distribution: Davao Light renewed warnings in the Philippines over unauthorized electricity activities, citing legal backing for its expanded franchise after court rulings—an example of how utility authority and franchise transitions can reshape local operations. Tech & Data Centers (Regional Industry Signal): HIVE Digital Technologies reported a 158% revenue jump to $297.8M, driven by Bitcoin mining growth and a push into AI HPC and a planned 320MW data center buildout. World Cup Business Angle: Ticketplus filed for an IPO, highlighting its live-entertainment ticketing platform footprint that includes Paraguay.

Paraguay Energy Push: Paraguay has opened its electricity sector to private investment under new rules for non-conventional renewable energy, letting homes, businesses and industries install solar and sell surplus back to the grid via net metering, with ANDE still at the center as demand rises Paraguay Business & Skills: The Economy Ministry launched a 2026/2027 University Internship Programme, with applications due 7 June through CONACYT’s SPI system, targeting final-year students across fields from engineering and commercial engineering to accounting and foreign trade Humanitarian Support for Industry Safety: GlobalMedic delivered 10 portable firefighting “fire skid” systems to Paraguay’s volunteer fire departments, designed to be mounted on pickup trucks for faster response in hard-to-reach areas Diplomacy With Trade Links: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, with Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman saying the move reflects Paraguay’s belief in Israel—an angle that also ties into broader Paraguay–Israel cooperation World Cup Watch (Paraguay Connection): Paraguay’s June 12 match vs the U.S. is drawing major attention, including fan-focused viewing plans and pre-tournament coverage highlighting the U.S. squad’s push into the tournament.

Paraguay Energy Reform: Paraguay has opened its electricity sector to private investment under new rules for the Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Law, keeping ANDE central but allowing homes, businesses and industries to install solar, sell surplus back via net metering, and potentially cut costs as demand rises. Public Sector Skills: The Economy Ministry launched a 2026/2027 University Internship Programme with applications due 7 June, targeting final-year students with a 3.5 GPA minimum across fields from engineering and IT to economics, law and communications. Disaster Response Gear: GlobalMedic delivered 10 portable firefighting “fire skid” systems to Paraguay’s volunteer fire departments, expanding rapid-response capacity using modular units mounted on pickup trucks. Paraguay–Israel Diplomacy: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, with Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman saying the country is there “because it believes in Israel,” as ties deepen through trade and public diplomacy. World Cup Link to Paraguay: The U.S. heads into its World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12 after a 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, with Christian Pulisic ending a five-month scoring drought.

World Cup Build-Up: Christian Pulisic ended his long scoring drought with a goal and an assist as the USMNT beat Senegal 3-2 in a key warm-up, with coach Mauricio Pochettino praising his training attitude ahead of the June 12 opener vs Paraguay. Diplomacy & Trade: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy, with the ambassador saying the country is there “because it believes in Israel,” as Israel-Paraguay ties deepen. Agri-Business: Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture inaugurated a modern strawberry showroom and commercial space in Itauguá (Estanzuela), backed by World Bank funding, to help producers sell directly and add value during the strawberry season. Energy & Industry Policy: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender, signaling a shift in energy policy toward renewables. Security & Logistics: INTERPOL-backed Operation Orca XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the Americas, underscoring regional enforcement cooperation. Local Culture & Community: Paraguay’s skateboarding scene keeps growing, with new parks in Luque and Itaguá drawing skaters of all levels.

Agribusiness & Rural Development: Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture inaugurated a modern strawberry showroom and commercial space in Estanzuela (Itauguá) to boost direct sales, add value, and strengthen producer income, funded by the World Bank (₲997,025,346) via PIMA. Energy & Investment Policy: Paraguay launched a large-scale solar tender, signaling a shift in energy policy toward renewables. Trade & Logistics: Paraguay opened direct poultry exports to the United Arab Emirates, expanding market access for local producers. Industry & Business Climate: Paraguay’s “Investor Pass” residency-by-investment scheme offers faster permanent residency for investors putting money into tourism projects or stocks/real estate. Sports & National Spotlight: Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo faced a fine after comments at the French Open about umpiring, while Moise Kouame’s breakthrough run keeps Paraguay in global headlines ahead of the World Cup opener vs the USA on June 12. Security & Compliance: INTERPOL-backed operation in the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, underscoring regional enforcement priorities.

French Open Spotlight (Paraguay): Seventeen-year-old Moise Kouame stunned Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a five-set marathon at Roland Garros, and the match spilled into controversy after Vallejo said the officiating “needs to be umpired by a man,” later clarifying his remarks were about the specific referee and the crowd control. World Cup Culture & Industry: FIFA unveiled new global music star lineups for World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies and the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, with the U.S. segment featuring Katy Perry and BLACKPINK’s Lisa ahead of the U.S. vs Paraguay match. Security & Trade Links: An INTERPOL-backed operation across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, underscoring the region’s ongoing pressure on organized crime networks. Energy/Infrastructure (Regional Logistics): Paraguay’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in the final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, aiming to cut export transit times toward Asia by about 10–15 days. Tourism & Meetings: Paraguay climbed to 6th in Latin America and the Caribbean for international meetings and events tourism (GlobeWatch 2025), with Asunción also ranking among the top cities.

Paraguay in the spotlight at Roland Garros: 17-year-old Moïse Kouamé, backed by a roaring home crowd, beat Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a marathon five-set match to reach the French Open third round—an achievement that makes him the youngest man to do so at a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal. Controversy around officiating: Vallejo later said the match “needs to be umpired by a man,” arguing the referee couldn’t control the crowd; he then clarified his comments were about the specific official, not women in general. Logistics push for trade: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, with the Bioceanic Bridge link nearing completion—aimed at cutting export transit times to Asia. Elections and voting tech: Paraguay opposition groups demanded an independent technical audit of electronic voting machines ahead of June 7 internal elections, citing alleged critical operational flaws and transparency concerns. Energy transition: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender, signaling a shift in energy policy. Agribusiness at the WTO: Paraguay’s rice and market realities were discussed at a WTO side event, with attention on how subsidies distort prices and pressure farmers.

Infrastructure & Trade: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, with just 21 meters left to finish the Bioceanic Bridge over the Paraguay River—aimed at cutting export transit times to Asia by an estimated 10–15 days. Agribusiness & Markets: At a WTO side event, USA Rice and Paraguay (along with Pakistan and India) discussed how India’s rice subsidies distort global prices, squeezing farmers through depressed export values. Energy Transition: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender, signaling a shift in energy policy toward renewables. Logistics & Investment: Paraguay is set to host a major Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción in 2026, reinforcing the country’s role as a regional trade and industry hub. Local Industry Spotlight: GlobeWatch ranked Paraguay 6th in Latin America and the Caribbean for meetings and events tourism, with Asunción also placing 8th—good news for business travel and convention-driven spending. Culture & Brand Building: Civis Soluciones launched “Paraguay, the Heart of South America,” a campaign highlighting the country’s production, livestock, and international industry presence.

Infrastructure & Trade: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch on the Paraguay–Brazil border, with just 21 meters left to finish the Bioceanic Bridge over the Paraguay River—part of a 3,200+ km logistics push aimed at cutting export times to Asia by 10–15 days. Finance & Business Climate: Paraguay’s reform agenda is zeroing in on lowering the cost of capital, as the country looks to turn macro stability into cheaper financing for companies. Aviation Policy: Paraguay’s President signed a law scrapping the 6% airline ticket tax, a move meant to reduce carriers’ costs and boost the aviation sector. Energy & Power Sector: A legal fight over power distribution continues as Nordeco takes its dispute with Davao Light to the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent disruptions while courts review possession orders. Agro-Industry & Exports: Paraguay opened direct poultry exports to the United Arab Emirates, signaling continued push to expand overseas market access. Local Industry & Culture: Asunción is hosting free public astronomy events at the River Ecological Park, adding a science-and-education angle to the city’s community outreach.

Aviation Policy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña signed a law removing a 6% tax on airline tickets, aiming to cut carrier costs and boost growth in the aviation sector. Business & Finance: A new reform push focuses on lowering Paraguay’s cost of capital, arguing the country can turn solid macro credibility into cheaper financing for companies. Energy & Utilities: Nordeco has taken its dispute with Davao Light to the Supreme Court, challenging court orders tied to power distribution operations in Tagum and nearby areas. Trade & Industry Outlook: Mercosur is moving beyond South America with new and expected trade deals (EFTA, EU, and talks with others), a shift that could reshape Paraguay’s export and supply-chain planning. Public Engagement: Asunción announced free public astronomy events at the River Ecological Park, adding hands-on science activities for schools and the general public. Culture & Creative Economy: The Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra’s story is set to reach U.S. stages via Gloria Estefan’s musical “Basura,” spotlighting Paraguay’s landfill-to-music model.

Mercosur Business Push in Asunción: Paraguay will host the annual meeting of Mercosur business leaders on 28 May 2026 in Asunción, bringing together chambers of commerce and presidents’ representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia to focus on deeper regional integration and a common private-sector agenda. Port Tech Upgrade for Trade: Liebherr is delivering an electric-powered FCC 280 fixed cargo crane to Puerto Seguro Fluvial, boosting container handling and heavy-load capability as the terminal expands its role as a regional logistics gateway. Energy Transition Watch: Paraguay is moving ahead with large-scale solar procurement, signaling a shift in energy policy toward more renewables. FDI Momentum: Paraguay continues to stand out as a stable South American destination for foreign direct investment, with 2024 net inflows reported around US$931 million and a broader mix of investing countries. Digital Infrastructure & Power Demand: A report flags that cryptocurrency mining growth—linked to new U.S. stablecoin rules—could raise electricity pressure in Paraguay and neighboring ecosystems, intensifying debates over expanding energy infrastructure. World Cup Culture, Local Angle: Community watch events are set to bring USA vs. Paraguay matches to Paraguay-linked audiences via regional partnerships and big-screen viewing.

Energy Transition: Paraguay’s ANDE launched a 140 MW Loma Plata solar photovoltaic tender under Law 7599/2025, with grid connection via a 220 kV substation and World Bank support—an early signal of a shift beyond hydropower. Logistics & Ports: Liebherr delivered an electric-powered FCC 280 to Puerto Seguro Fluvial, boosting container handling and heavy-load capability while cutting emissions and noise at the terminal. Renewables & Industry Finance: HIVE Digital Technologies said it will release fiscal Q4 and full-year 2026 results on June 1, with an earnings call June 2—highlighting its Paraguay data-center footprint powered by green energy. Regional Business: Paraguay will host a Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción on May 28, organized by the CNCSP, aiming to strengthen intra-bloc trade and a common private-sector agenda. FDI Spotlight: Paraguay continues to stand out as a steady FDI destination in South America, with 2024 net inflows around US$931M, per Central Bank data. Cyber Risk: Latin American cybercriminal groups are increasingly targeting government agencies and monetizing citizen data, raising pressure on public-sector security across the region.