AGP Executive Report

Bitcoin & Hydropower: HIVE Digital Technologies is scaling two hydro-powered Paraguay sites (Yguazú 200 MW and Valenzuela 100 MW) as it targets 25 EH/s global hashrate, betting on Paraguay’s surplus electricity. AI Infrastructure in the Region: RT-One becomes the first AMPHIX customer, using the platform to validate enterprise AI infrastructure before permanent deployments—an approach that could speed up data-center buildouts across the Americas. Energy Output Watch: Itaipú’s 2025 generation rose 8.6% to 72.9 million MWh, with 36% allocated to Paraguay, covering 87% of its electricity demand. Climate & Flood Risk: Paraguay is preparing for El Niño expected to intensify storms and raise flood risk from late August, including clearing waterways and running flood simulations. Agri-Tech Push: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, including Paraguay’s Froniva, highlighting regional agrifood digital transformation. Construction & Housing: LUX Development launches in Asunción to make homebuilding more transparent for locals and newcomers, guiding clients through legal and municipal steps. Food & Farming: Asunción’s La Cuadrita hosts a strawberry fair on Aug. 15 with 50 farming families selling fresh fruit and artisanal products. Industry Leadership: JBS names Wesley Batista Filho as next global CEO (effective Jan. 2027), with prior leadership across Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

El Niño Watch for Paraguay: Paraguay’s meteorology authority says El Niño is set to influence weather from late August, with warmer winter conditions, stronger storms, and higher flood risk into spring and summer 2027; the government is already clearing waterways and running satellite flood simulations. Food & Farm Stakes: A Reuters look at a potential “super” El Niño highlights how Paraguay and the wider Pampas region could see above-normal rainfall that supports planting and soil moisture for soy, corn, and wheat—while trade and logistics face knock-on disruptions. Energy Signal: Itaipú’s 2025 output rose 8.6% to 72.9 million MWh, with 36% allocated to Paraguay, covering about 87% of its electricity use. Agri-innovation Pipeline: IICA and a jury selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, including Paraguay’s Froniva. Local Produce Push: Asunción’s La Cuadrita strawberry fair (Aug 15) will bring fresh fruit and value-added products from 50 farming families. Bitcoin Industry Momentum: Paraguay’s Accelerating Bitcoin conference (Aug 12-13) returns for a second edition, focusing on mining, regulation, AI, and Paraguay’s energy-driven role in the regional crypto scene.

Digital Agriculture: IICA and a specialized jury picked 15 AgTech startups for the 5th Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica (Sept. 7–10), including Paraguay’s Froniva, selected from nearly 300 applicants across 23 countries. Energy & Industry: Itaipú’s 2025 generation rose 8.6% to 72.9 million MWh, with 36% allocated to Paraguay—covering 87% of its electricity demand—highlighting the dam’s role in regional industrial stability. Construction & Housing: Paraguayan-American entrepreneur Patricia Narvaez launched LUX Development in Asunción to make homebuilding more transparent for locals and newcomers, guiding clients through paperwork, municipal steps, construction, and banking. Agribusiness & Jobs: Asunción’s La Cuadrita hosts a strawberry fair Aug. 15 (10:00–17:00), with products from 50 farming families and derivatives like jams, juices, and desserts. Mining/Resources (Markets): A Paraguay-linked uranium extraction firm, Uranium Energy, is expanding operations and is tied to rising uranium price expectations.

Agribusiness & Food Supply: A strawberry fair is set for Aug. 15 in Asunción’s La Cuadrita, with 50 farming families selling fresh strawberries and value-added products, backed by Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Feed & Safety: A Latin America poultry forum highlights widespread corn mycotoxin concerns, with Paraguay included in large-scale monitoring using near-infrared methods to flag fumonisins and other toxins that can hit productivity and costs. Energy: Itaipú’s 2025 output rose 8.6% to 72.9 million MWh, with 36% allocated to Paraguay—covering about 87% of the country’s electricity demand. Industry & Investment Climate: Paraguay is positioning itself as a destination for people and capital, as foreign investment headlines point to a cautious global mood. Digital & Finance: Paraguay’s second Accelerating Bitcoin conference opens Aug. 12-13, spotlighting mining, regulation, AI and the country’s energy-driven appeal for crypto activity. Gaming Sector: Zitro’s Zitro Experience Paraguay wrapped alongside SAGSE, reinforcing momentum in Paraguay’s gaming market. Corporate Leadership (Regional): JBS announced a leadership transition: Wesley Batista Filho to become global CEO in Jan. 2027, with Tomazoni moving to vice chairman. Public Infrastructure (Regional Context): Infrastructure capital outlays are projected to decline this year, a reminder that project pipelines may face tighter fiscal conditions.

JBS Leadership Transition: JBS named Wesley Batista Filho as its next global CEO, effective January 2027, with Gilberto Tomazoni stepping down after 14 years and moving to vice chairman/senior adviser roles—an important signal for Paraguay-linked agribusiness and protein supply chains. Hydropower Output: Itaipú reported 2025 generation of 72.9 million MWh (+8.6%), with 36% allocated to Paraguay, covering about 87% of Paraguay’s electricity needs—good news for industrial power stability. Public Health Digitalization: Paraguay’s Health Ministry launched the QRSAF platform to centralize citizen complaints, claims, suggestions, thanks and commendations, aiming for faster, more transparent service follow-up. Bitcoin & Energy Talk: Paraguay’s second Accelerating Bitcoin conference opens in Asunción on Aug. 12–13, positioning the country as a regional crypto hub with tracks spanning mining, regulation and AI. Gaming Industry Update: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 wrapped up, and Zitro held Zitro Experience Paraguay at Hotel Casino Acaray, highlighting continued momentum in Paraguay’s gaming sector. Healthcare Feedback Tech: QRSAF is built to route submissions to the right departments and track responses, pushing modernization in how citizens engage with health services. Social Impact Fashion: The Princesa Diana de Francia Foundation is using fashion and sewing programs to support vulnerable Paraguayan women, including work linked to the Casa del Buen Pastor prison. Crypto Founder Death Probe: Authorities are investigating the death of Harry Yeh, a Fantom-linked crypto investor, after a reported fall from a 30th-floor tower in Asunción.

Digital Health Upgrade: Paraguay’s Health Ministry rolled out the QRSAF platform to centralize citizen complaints, claims, suggestions, thanks, and commendations—aiming for faster, more transparent handling of feedback. Payments & Fintech Growth: At Pay Meeting 19 in Asunción, officials cited 39% growth in card purchases and 42% in online transactions in 2026, with transaction volume accelerating and cybersecurity/infrastructure investment flagged as the next challenge. Gaming & Local Industry: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 wrapped up in Ciudad del Este, confirming a return in 2027, while Zitro’s “Zitro Experience Paraguay” drew strong operator interest and highlighted momentum in the country’s gaming sector. Energy/Mining Tech Spotlight: Paraguay’s role in the uranium supply chain stayed in focus as industry coverage highlighted ISR operations across the country. Trade Promotion: Taiwan’s MOEA announced food product promos featuring Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize, pushing wider market access for agricultural exports. Public Works & Urban Greening: Asunción began renovating its 110-year-old Municipal Plant Nursery to expand production and support city landscaping through late 2026.

Public Health Tech: Paraguay’s Health Ministry rolled out the QRSAF digital platform to centralize complaints, claims, suggestions, and commendations, aiming for faster, more transparent handling of citizen feedback. Payments & Digital Economy: Paraguay projects 39% growth in card purchases and 42% in online transactions in 2026, as electronic payments keep accelerating and the sector pushes for more investment in infrastructure and cybersecurity. Tourism & Hospitality: Paraguay’s hotel industry reported 43% growth in the first half of 2026, with occupancy averaging 61% nationwide and 64% in Asunción, boosted by business travel and new destinations. Gaming Industry: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 wrapped up with 345+ attendees and confirmed it will return in 2027; Zitro also highlighted strong local interest after its Zitro Experience Paraguay event. Infrastructure & Logistics: Luque–Asunción route works will trigger lane closures and diversions from 10–30 August 2026 as stormwater drainage upgrades proceed. Local Industry & Urban Greening: Asunción’s Municipal Plant Nursery began a renovation tied to its 110th anniversary to expand production capacity and support future city landscaping. Crypto & Finance: Paraguay-linked crypto investor Harry Yeh died after a reported 30th-floor fall in Asunción; authorities are investigating the circumstances. Organized Crime Watch: Reports say criminal groups are expanding counterfeit production of Paraguayan cigarettes in Brazil, using clandestine factories and exploiting labor conditions.

Digital Health Reform: Paraguay’s Health Ministry rolled out the QRSAF platform to centralize citizen complaints, claims, suggestions, and commendations—aiming for faster, more transparent handling of feedback. Hospitality Boom: Paraguay’s hotel sector posted 43% growth in the first half of 2026, with 61% national occupancy and 64% in Asunción, driven by business travel and new destination hubs. Payments Acceleration: Paraguay projects 39% growth in card purchases and 42% in online transactions in 2026, as electronic payments keep expanding and the government pushes for cybersecurity and infrastructure upgrades. Urban Green Upgrade: Asunción began renovating its 110-year-old Municipal Plant Nursery in Caballero Park, targeting higher production capacity to support city greening through late 2026. Roadworks Disruption: Temporary traffic diversions are scheduled for the Luque–Asunción corridor (10–30 August) as stormwater drainage works proceed. Crypto/Finance Shock: Asunción authorities are investigating the death of Fantom-linked investor Harry Yeh after a reported fall from a 30th-floor apartment, with officials still weighing accident, suicide, or foul play. Regional Security & Trade: Colombia’s new president confirmed joining the U.S.-backed “Shield of the Americas,” while Paraguay’s Mercosur context remains in focus as Indonesia and Brazil discuss a preferential trade path.

Digital Payments Boom: Paraguay is projecting 39% growth in card purchases and 42% growth in online transactions in 2026, with transaction volume accelerating and digital payments up 24% in the first four months, as officials push for more investment in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and training. Hospitality Demand: Paraguay’s hotel sector reported 43% growth in the first half of 2026, with national occupancy averaging 61% and Asunción at 64%, driven by business travel and new destination hubs like Itapúa and Ciudad del Este. Urban Greening Upgrade: Asunción’s Municipal Plant Nursery in Caballero Park is being renovated for higher production capacity, supporting city beautification and future tree-planting, with work starting in August and expected to finish between November and December 2026. Local Infrastructure Disruption: Drivers on the Luque–Asunción corridor face temporary diversions from 10–30 August 2026 due to stormwater drainage works near the General Elizardo Aquino and Sudamericana intersection. Gaming & Betting Industry: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 opened in Ciudad del Este with 345+ attendees and a boutique operator-focused format, signaling growing regional interest in Paraguay’s gaming market. Trade & Integration Watch: Indonesia and Brazil are exploring a preferential trade agreement as a step toward deeper Indonesia–MERCOSUR talks, with Paraguay included in the bloc. Public Safety & Crime: Asunción police are investigating the death of crypto investor Harry Yeh after a 30-floor fall tied to a ransacked apartment, with authorities still determining whether it was an accident, suicide, or third-party involvement.

Hotel & Tourism Pulse: Paraguay’s hotel industry jumped 43% in the first half of 2026 year-on-year, with national occupancy averaging 61% and Asunción hitting 64%, driven by business travel and new destination hubs like Itapúa and Ciudad del Este. Payments & Digital Economy: Paraguay is projecting 39% growth in card purchases and 42% in online transactions in 2026, as electronic payments keep scaling fast and the government flags readiness for cybersecurity and infrastructure investment. Local Infrastructure for Industry & Mobility: MOPC announced August traffic diversions on the Luque–Asunción corridor (General Elizardo Aquino Ave) for stormwater drainage works, with lane closures and staged road reopening. Urban Greening & Supply Chains: Asunción’s Municipal Plant Nursery in Caballero Park is getting a major renovation tied to its 110th anniversary, aiming to boost production capacity for city landscaping and street planting. Agri-Food Heritage: A look at how Paraguay’s strawberry season in Areguá traces back to European cultivation routes and immigrant farming, turning a foreign crop into a local winter staple. Tech & Innovation Spotlight: The Paraguay Blockchain Summit 2026 in Asunción drew 2,000+ participants to discuss digital assets, regulation, and the future of Latin America’s digital economy. Regional Trade Context: Indonesia and Brazil are exploring an Indonesia–Mercosur preferential trade agreement, with Paraguay included in the Mercosur bloc.

Digital Payments Surge: Paraguay is projecting 39% growth in card purchases and 42% growth in online transactions in 2026, with electronic payments already up 24% in the first four months, as industry leaders push for more investment in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and training. Tech & Innovation: The Paraguay Blockchain Summit 2026 in Asunción drew 2,000+ participants to discuss digital assets, regulation, and the future of the digital economy in Latin America. Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Paraguay and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Affairs, described as a first step toward building nuclear reactor capability for electricity generation. Infrastructure & Mobility: MOPC announced August traffic diversions on the Luque–Asunción corridor, with lane closures tied to stormwater drainage works at key intersections. Agribusiness Spotlight: A feature traces how Paraguay’s strawberry season in Areguá took root through European immigrant cultivation, turning a foreign crop into a local winter staple. Industry Events: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 opened in Ciudad del Este with 345+ attendees, highlighting growth in the gaming and sports betting market and a boutique operator-to-supplier mix. Local Culture with Economic Reach: A free documentary screening in Asunción marks Mangoré’s 82nd death anniversary, underscoring Paraguay’s cultural exports and tourism pull.

Digital Payments Surge: Paraguay is projecting 39% growth in card purchases and 42% growth in online transactions in 2026, with electronic payments adoption accelerating and the CPMP pointing to big gains in transaction speed and cybersecurity/infrastructure needs. Blockchain Push: The Paraguay Blockchain Summit 2026 in Asunción drew 2,000+ participants to discuss digital assets, regulation, and how blockchain can shape Latin America’s digital economy. Agri & Tourism Spotlight: A look at how Paraguay’s famous strawberry season in Areguá traces back to European immigrants and decades of local farming know-how. Local Infrastructure Update: Luque–Asunción commuters face traffic diversions from 10–30 August 2026 on General Elizardo Aquino Avenue as stormwater drainage works move ahead. Culture & Industry Soft Power: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 opened in Ciudad del Este with 345+ attendees, signaling continued momentum in Paraguay’s gaming and tech services ecosystem. Energy Cooperation: Paraguay and the U.S. signed a civil nuclear cooperation memorandum, framed as a first step toward future reactor support.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Paraguay and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic civil nuclear cooperation, with the stated goal of building Paraguay’s civil nuclear capabilities and supporting future electricity-generation reactor projects. Road Works Disruptions: Paraguay’s MOPC announced traffic diversions on the Luque–Asunción corridor (General Elizardo Aquino Ave) from 10–30 August 2026, including lane closures and staged shutdowns tied to stormwater drainage improvements. Gaming Industry Momentum: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 opened in Ciudad del Este at Hotel Casino Acaray, drawing 345+ attendees and highlighting growing regional interest in Paraguay’s online gaming and sports betting market. Agribusiness Demand Signal: Paraguay’s strong agricultural growth is reflected in a report of wheat shipments jumping 30%, pointing to continued export activity. Cultural-Tech & Tourism Tie-ins: Paraguay’s Museum of Science (MuCi) launched August Children’s Month programming in Asunción, while Paraguay Tech Week 2026 continues to position the country as a regional tech ecosystem hub. Energy & Industry Watch: Analysts flagged a broader regional growth slowdown that could complicate monetary policy paths, a reminder that financing conditions matter for Paraguay’s industrial planning.

Civil Nuclear Deal: The U.S. and Paraguay signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic cooperation in civil nuclear affairs, with Marco Rubio and Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano backing future reactor-focused support under strict safety and non-proliferation standards. Infrastructure & Mobility: Paraguay’s MOPC announced August traffic diversions on the Luque–Asunción corridor (General Elizardo Aquino Ave), including lane closures and staged works tied to stormwater drainage improvements. Energy & Tech for Industry: Paraguay’s first domestically built satellite, GuaraníSat-2, is reported ready for launch—another step for local capability building that can support national planning and connectivity. Mining/Metals Watch: Aura Minerals flagged record first-half performance and ongoing expansion work across its gold projects, keeping investors focused on production ramp timelines. Local Business & Events: SAGSE Paraguay 2026 opened in Ciudad del Este with 345+ attendees, spotlighting the boutique gaming and sports betting ecosystem and decision-makers. Culture with Industry Links: Asunción’s Bicentennial House of Music will screen a documentary honoring Mangoré on Aug. 7, reinforcing Paraguay’s creative exports and cultural tourism pull.

SAGSE Paraguay 2026: The gaming and sports betting fair kicked off in Ciudad del Este at Hotel Casino Acaray with 345+ attendees, a tight operator-to-supplier mix (about 2.75 operators per provider), and a boutique, decision-maker-heavy format. Civil Nuclear Push: Paraguay and the U.S. signed a civil nuclear cooperation MoU in Washington, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan FM Rubén Ramírez Lezcano backing “peaceful use” and setting the stage for future reactor support under safety and non-proliferation standards. Space & Tech: Paraguay’s GuaraníSat-2—built entirely in-country—has cleared pre-launch integration and is ready to be shipped to the U.S. for launch, with a team led by young engineers and students. Agri-Industry Context: Paraguay’s sugarcane-linked ethanol blending sits in the same regional trend as Brazil and India, underscoring how fuel standards are shaping local supply chains. Energy Infrastructure: CESI completed an Itaipu Dam monitoring upgrade, adding new sensors and real-time digital visualization to strengthen long-term safety operations.

Civil Nuclear Push: Paraguay and the U.S. signed a civil nuclear strategic cooperation MOU in Washington, with Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano backing peaceful nuclear energy and safety/non-proliferation standards—described as a first step toward future reactor support. Space & Tech: Paraguay’s GuaraníSat-2, built entirely in-country, is ready for transport to the U.S. for launch, with the AEP highlighting local engineering and a young workforce trained through prior international cooperation. Energy Infrastructure Upgrade: CESI completed a 24-month monitoring upgrade for Itaipu Dam, adding continuous inclinometric sensors and deep extensometers plus real-time digital visualization to strengthen long-term safety. Agribusiness Signal: Paraguay’s agricultural growth is reflected in a report that wheat shipments jumped 30% alongside strong farm performance. Health & Pharma Watch: At the Rio AIDS conference, a once-monthly HIV prevention pill (MK-8527/alimatravir) was discussed as potentially low-cost, while licensing details reportedly exclude parts of Latin America including Paraguay. Industry Finance (Regional): Knight Therapeutics reported Q2 results with higher revenues and improved gross margin, while Aura Minerals posted record first-half production and updated growth progress. Culture & Media: Asunción’s Museum of Science launched Children’s Month programming, and Paraguayan actor Rodrigo Calonga is set to compete in MasterChef Celebrity Paraguay.