AGP Executive Report

Data-Center Investment: HIVE plans to add 100 MW at its Yguazú hydro-powered campus, bringing capacity to 400 MW by Q3 2026. The company has invested more than $400 million in Paraguay and plans a dedicated AI facility for 2027. Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects Paraguay’s economy will expand 4.7% in 2026, outpacing the regional forecast of 2.2%, with private investment among the key supports. Infrastructure: The Bioceanic Bridge linking Paraguay and Brazil will get weather and structural monitoring systems to track wind, rainfall, temperature and strain, with traffic alerts planned for a later phase. Transport Network: Paraguay’s road system exceeds 78,000 km, but 84% remains unpaved, underscoring the scale of the country’s infrastructure challenge.

Data Centers & AI: HIVE plans to add 100 MW at its Yguazú hydro-powered campus, bringing capacity to 400 MW and supporting a planned AI facility in 2027. The company says it has committed more than $400 million to Paraguay operations. Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects Paraguay’s economy will grow 4.7% in 2026, ahead of the regional forecast of 2.2%, citing private investment and fiscal consolidation. Infrastructure: The Bioceanic Bridge linking Paraguay and Brazil will add weather stations to monitor wind, rainfall and temperature alongside sensors tracking structural movement. Separately, official figures show 84% of Paraguay’s 78,795-kilometre road network remains unpaved. Investment Climate: Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one notch below investment grade, pointing to strong growth, low public debt and prudent fiscal management.

Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Paraguay–Brazil Bioceanic Bridge will get climate and structural monitoring stations to track wind, rain, temperature and the bridge’s response; a later phase may add wind-safety alerts for traffic. Growth and Credit: The World Bank says Paraguay is outperforming the region’s projected 2.2% growth, while Fitch affirmed its BB+ rating with a positive outlook. Fitch forecasts 4.5% growth in 2026 and cites low public debt and a strong investment pipeline. Roads and Connectivity: Paraguay’s network spans nearly 78,800 km, but 84% remains unpaved, a major hurdle for moving goods and connecting communities. Technology Investment: HIVE ran AI training workloads on GPUs in Asunción for Columbia University researchers in New York, showcasing Paraguay’s potential to turn renewable hydroelectric power into computing capacity. Urban Development: A proposed university district in Asunción’s historic centre aims to attract US$200 million in investment and 5,000 foreign students over five years.

Investment Outlook: Fitch affirmed Paraguay’s BB+ sovereign rating with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, low public debt and tighter inflation, while flagging seven hurdles to reach investment grade. Roads & Logistics: Paraguay’s road inventory totals 78,795 km, but only about 16% is paved or improved; the rest is unpaved, underscoring how connectivity affects production, schools and emergency access. Climate Risk for Industry: A “Super El Niño” is intensifying in the Pacific, with Argentina facing major flood risk—an agriculture and hydropower warning that matters for regional supply chains. Tech & Research: HIVE Digital Technologies ran large language model pre-training on GPUs located in Asunción, with Columbia researchers operating remotely from New York. Local Governance: Asunción’s municipal race shifted power as opposition candidate Soledad Núñez won mayoral elections, a signal for the capital’s business climate. Human Capital & Growth: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a US$200M University District plan in Asunción’s historic center to attract 5,000 foreign students.

Investment Outlook: Fitch affirmed Paraguay’s sovereign rating at BB+ with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, low public debt, and prudent fiscal management—while flagging seven hurdles to reach investment grade. Road Infrastructure: Paraguay’s road network totals 78,795 km, but only 12,912 km are paved or improved (about 16%); the rest is largely unpaved, underscoring ongoing connectivity challenges for production, schools, and emergency access. AI & Tech Logistics: HIVE Digital Technologies ran large language model pre-training using GPU hardware in Asunción while Columbia researchers worked remotely from New York, connected by about 5,000 miles of fiber. Education & Urban Development: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a US$200M plan for an Asunción Historic Centre University District, aiming to attract 5,000 foreign students over five years. Health/Industry Link: Knight Therapeutics launched TAVALISSE® in Brazil for chronic immune thrombocytopenia, with regulatory progress across Latin America including Paraguay. Climate Risk: A Super El Niño is intensifying into October, with Argentina facing heightened flood risk—an external shock that can ripple into regional agriculture and logistics.

AI & Compute Infrastructure: HIVE Digital Technologies ran GPU-based large language model pre-training from its Asunción cluster, with Columbia University researchers operating remotely from New York over ~5,000 miles of fiber—an experiment in cross-continent compute. Urban Development & Education Investment: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a Historic Centre “University District” plan in Asunción, targeting about US$200M over five years and roughly 5,000 foreign students to help repopulate the area. Food Industry & Local Business: Paraguay’s Empanada Day (Oct. 4) spotlights a heritage snack now backed by official recipe recognition and big commercial demand, with delivery platforms ranking it among the most ordered items. Logistics & Trade Context: The EU–Mercosur trade deal continues to face legal and political pressure, with a new dispute tied to Brazilian animal-product compliance adding uncertainty for exporters. Humanitarian Supply Chain: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s 2026 National Food Drive aims to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishable food nationwide with 1,000+ volunteers and dozens of collection points. Sports & Media Access: Guides on where to watch World Cup 2026 without cable highlight free over-the-air options (FOX/Telemundo) and limited free streaming windows.

Asunción University District: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a US$200M University District in Asunción’s Historic Centre, aiming to draw about 5,000 foreign students over five years and help repopulate the area (from just over 300 residents today toward ~1,500 by 2027). Food & logistics for industry: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s 2026 National Food Drive targets 40 tonnes of non-perishable food with 1,000+ volunteers and dozens of collection points across Asunción and the interior—an operational boost for local supply chains feeding social organizations. Economic momentum: Paraguay enters Q4 2026 after 5.7% GDP growth in the first half, led by agriculture, services, energy and construction, though growth cooled from 7.3% (Q1) to 4.0% (Q2). Sports media demand: Multiple guides highlight how Paraguay-linked viewers in the region can follow World Cup 2026 via legal free-to-air options and low-cost streaming—useful for consumer and media planning. Culture with business pull: Words & Sound Festival 2026 in Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre drew crowds and kept running despite a storm, mixing literature, music, vinyl fairs and Paraguayan crafts.

EU–Mercosur Trade Watch: The EU’s interim deal with Mercosur—provisionally applied since May 2026—keeps moving, with both blocs pushing new talks (Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) while legal and political pressure grows, including a fresh EU dispute over Brazilian animal products and court challenges that could complicate contract and investment planning. Paraguay Food Security: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay kicks off its 2026 National Food Drive on Oct. 3, aiming to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishables nationwide with 1,000+ volunteers and dozens of collection points across Asunción and the interior. Paraguay Economy: Paraguay enters Q4 2026 after 5.7% GDP growth in the first half, led by agriculture and supported by services, energy and construction, though momentum eased in the second quarter. Agri-Tech Climate Angle: Livestock in Argentina’s Salado Basin could cut emissions 15% through health, grazing and pasture recovery tech—an approach that signals where Southern Cone meat producers may be heading. Industry & Exports: Paraguay is also in the orbit of regional logistics and trade momentum, as Mercosur-EU tariff reductions lift agro-industrial export values in the bloc’s members. Sports Talent: Paraguayan driver Joshua Dürksen signs with Hitech Grand Prix for the 2027 FIA Formula 2 season, adding another Paraguay-linked name to international industry-style competition.

Food & Heritage Business: Paraguay marked Empanada Day on 4 October, with UNESCO-listed tereré culture in the mix and delivery platforms pointing to a multi-billion guaraní snack market. Sports Streaming & Local Interest: Guides on watching the 2026 World Cup without cable highlight free over-the-air options and note Paraguay’s U.S. match in the free streaming lineup. Economic Pulse: Paraguay ended Q3 momentum and entered Q4 with 5.7% GDP growth in the first half, led by agriculture and construction, but with growth easing from 7.3% to 4.0% quarter-on-quarter. Food Security Drive: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay launched its 2026 National Food Drive aiming to collect 40 tonnes nationwide with 1,000+ volunteers. Industry & Procurement: Paraguay’s DNCP improved tracking of sustainable public procurement, identifying 10,000+ sustainability clauses in tenders over two years. Energy/Climate Risk: El Niño exposure warnings from UNICEF underscore rising risks to children across the region, including Paraguay’s broader weather-linked vulnerabilities. Tech/Manufacturing Deal: Nexalin Technology signed a long-term distribution and local manufacturing framework covering Paraguay and other MERCOSUR markets. Local Talent: Paraguayan driver Joshua Dürksen was confirmed for the 2027 FIA Formula 2 season with Hitech Grand Prix.

Paraguay Economy: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest GDP growth, up 5.7%, led by agriculture (+12.3%) and supported by services, energy and construction—though momentum cooled from 7.3% (Q1) to 4.0% (Q2). Food & Logistics: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay launched its 2026 National Food Drive for Oct. 3, aiming to collect 40 tonnes nationwide with 1,000+ volunteers and dozens of collection points across Asunción and the interior. Industry & Trade: Paraguay’s sustainable public procurement push is getting measurable: DNCP can now track sustainability clauses through e-procurement data, identifying 10,000+ clauses over two years. Culture & Heritage (industry-adjacent): Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation completed conservation of fragile Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 nitrate documentary, preparing it for future digitisation. Tech/Business: A South America-wide distribution deal was announced for Nexalin Sync covering Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Paraguay Economy: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest GDP growth, up 5.7% year-on-year, led by agriculture (+12.3%) and supported by services, energy and construction—though momentum cooled in Q2 to 4.0%. Food Security: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay kicks off its 2026 National Food Drive on Oct. 3, aiming to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishable food with 1,000+ volunteers across Asunción, Greater Asunción and major interior cities. Sustainable Procurement: Paraguay’s DNCP improved tracking of sustainable public procurement by adding sustainability clauses into e-GP and building a dashboard—identifying 10,000+ sustainability clauses in tenders over two years. Business & Trade: Nexalin Technology signed a definitive 10-year distribution and local manufacturing deal with Inovanexa for Paraguay and other South American markets, starting with a 100-device commercialization plan. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay conserved two fragile Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 nitrate film, to protect national historical memory.

Paraguay Economy Watch: Paraguay enters Q4 2026 after posting 5.7% GDP growth in the first half, led by agriculture (+12.3%) and supported by services, energy and construction, though momentum cooled from 7.3% (Q1) to 4.0% (Q2). Food & Logistics: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay kicks off its 2026 National Food Drive on Saturday, 3 October, aiming to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishable food with 1,000+ volunteers across 70+ collection points in Asunción and major interior cities. Disaster Response: A severe storm linked to El Niño hit central, northern and eastern Paraguay, affecting at least 4,000 families, damaging homes, power infrastructure and crops in Caaguazú, San Pedro and Cordillera. Sustainable Procurement: Paraguay’s DNCP, with Open Contracting support, improved tracking of sustainable public procurement by adding structured sustainability clauses to e-GP and building a dashboard—identifying 10,000+ sustainability clauses in two years. Health Tech Deal (Regional): Nexalin Technology signed a definitive exclusive distribution and local manufacturing agreement for its ANVISA-approved Nexalin Sync across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela, with an initial 100-device commercialization plan.

El Niño Risk Watch: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in municipalities facing very high rainfall risks, threatening food, safe water, health care, education and child protection. Severe Weather in Paraguay: A powerful storm hit central, northern and eastern Paraguay, affecting at least 4,000 families and damaging homes, power infrastructure and crops in Caaguazú, San Pedro and Cordillera. Medical Tech & Training: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Center (CER Training Center) at Universidad Católica’s campus in Asunción, aiming to scale robotic-assisted procedures and attract regional specialists. Health Industry Deal: Nexalin Technology signed a definitive exclusive distribution and local manufacturing agreement with Inovanexa for Brazil and South America, explicitly including Paraguay, with an initial device commercialization plan. Trade & Agriculture Pressure: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to suspend the EU–Mercosur trade deal, keeping agricultural competition concerns in focus for Paraguay’s export-linked supply chains. Energy & Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform.

Medical & Manufacturing Deal: Nexalin Technology signed a definitive exclusive distribution and local manufacturing agreement with Inovanexa for its ANVISA-approved Nexalin Sync™ across Brazil and South America, starting with a 100-device commercialization program and a 10-year commercial framework that includes Paraguay. Disaster & Agriculture Impact: A severe storm hit central, northern and eastern Paraguay, affecting at least 4,000 families, damaging homes, power infrastructure and crops in Caaguazú, San Pedro and Cordillera. Health Tech Training: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Center (CER Training Center) at Universidad Católica in Asunción to train specialist surgeons using simulation and hands-on modules. Energy & Climate Watch: El Niño is forecast to peak in December, with NOAA projecting ocean temperatures up to 2.7°C—raising expectations of stronger weather swings that can affect agriculture and hydropower. Trade Policy: The EU–Mercosur trade deal remains in focus after the EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to suspend provisional implementation, keeping agricultural competition concerns alive. Industry Finance & Logistics: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking cards into Paraguay and Uruguay, while Xiamen launched a weekly direct shipping service linking its port to South America’s east coast with feeder links reaching Paraguay. Sports & Culture with Local Links: Paraguay’s film “Narciso” was selected to represent the country at the Oscars and Goya awards, and Asunción’s Port hosts the Words & Sound festival on Oct. 3.

Robotic Surgery Training: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Centre at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences Campus in Asunción, offering pre-work online prep and a three-day hands-on program for experienced surgeons, with simulation and porcine animal training. Beef Exports: President Santiago Peña said the U.S. is turning to Paraguayan beef to ease rising domestic meat prices, though Paraguay still lacks a dedicated U.S. import quota. EU–Mercosur Trade: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to suspend provisional EU–Mercosur implementation, keeping pressure on agricultural competition and standards. Forestry Investment: J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Paraguay announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform, aiming to scale investment in forestry. Energy & Climate: NOAA forecasts El Niño could peak in December at up to 2.7°C, with knock-on effects for rainfall and agriculture, including impacts for Paraguay’s water management. Finance Watch: Paraguay’s Treasury plans to borrow P892B domestically in Q4, including P462B in T-bills and P430B in T-bonds. Logistics Link: Xiamen launched a weekly direct shipping service to South America’s east coast, improving routes that connect to Paraguay via regional port networks.

Healthcare & Skills: Paraguay inaugurated its first “CER Training Center,” a robotic surgery training hub at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences Campus in Asunción, offering pre-training online modules plus a three-day hands-on program with simulations and animal-model practice. Agribusiness & Trade: Paraguay President Santiago Peña told Bloomberg the U.S. is seeking more Paraguayan beef exports to ease local prices, but Paraguay still lacks a dedicated U.S. import quota (shipments fall under a broader “other countries” allowance). Energy & Climate: NOAA forecasts El Niño will peak in December, with ocean temperatures possibly reaching up to 2.7°C, raising risks of floods and droughts that could disrupt Paraguay’s water and agriculture planning. Logistics & Exports: Xiamen launched a weekly direct container service (ZFS) to South America’s east coast, with feeder links reaching inland ports including Paraguay, aiming to cut transit times for high-value cargo. Finance & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking cards into Paraguay and other LATAM markets, boosting cross-border payments coverage. Culture & Industry: “Words & Sound 2026” returns to the Port of Asunción on Oct. 3 with free admission, blending literature, music, workshops, and a book fair. Legal/Trade Policy: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to suspend the EU–Mercosur trade deal, keeping the agreement on track despite agricultural-sector concerns.