AGP Executive Report

Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026 – Foro & Expo B2B is set for Oct. 1 in Asunción, bringing fuel, biofuels, electricity, renewables, tech and payment systems to the table, with a focus on how service stations can adapt via diversification and new tech. Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay’s government announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform, targeting commercial forests, native restoration, and revenue streams including timber and carbon credits, with deployment expected early next year. Mining & Security: Paraguay uncovered an international gold trafficking network in “Operation Aurelia,” raiding nine locations around Asunción, arresting four, and seizing 22 kg of ~99% pure gold linked to illegal Brazilian mining routes. Industry & Trade Watch: WTO dispute talks move forward as Paraguay reserves third-party rights in Russia’s CBAM challenge against the EU, a signal for how carbon rules may reshape regional trade costs. Agribusiness Ripple Effects: Yacyretá expects Paraná River flows could double historical averages with El Niño rains, while warning that higher water won’t automatically mean higher electricity generation.

Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay’s government announced a $200M investment to build a sustainable forestry platform, including commercial forests, native restoration, and potential carbon-credit revenue, with deployment expected early next year. Energy Industry Calendar: Energías Paraguay 2026—Foro & Expo B2B will bring fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, and payment systems to Asunción on Oct. 1 at the Mariscal Convention Centre, with free registration. Mining & Organized Crime: Paraguay uncovered an international gold trafficking network (Operation Aurelia), raiding nine sites in Asunción and arresting four, after prior airport seizures of highly refined gold allegedly linked to illegal Brazilian mining. Climate & Hydropower Watch: Yacyretá says El Niño rains could double Paraná River inflows versus historical averages, though higher water won’t automatically mean more electricity generation. Trade & Carbon Rules: Paraguay reserved third-party rights in a WTO dispute over the EU’s CBAM and alleged export subsidies tied to emissions allowances. Local Innovation & Culture: The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura is touring the Bay Area, turning landfill waste into instruments and opportunity for youth.

Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026 will bring an energy and B2B forum to Asunción on Oct. 1, covering fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, electric mobility and service-station business shifts, with free entry by registration. Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay’s government announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform, aiming at commercial forests, native restoration, and potential revenue via timber and carbon credits. Hydropower Watch: Yacyretá is preparing for El Niño-driven rainfall that could boost Paraná River inflows to around double historical averages, while noting more water doesn’t automatically mean higher generation. Gold Trafficking Crackdown: Paraguay uncovered an international gold route (Operation Aurelia), raiding sites in Asunción and arresting four, after prior airport seizures linked refined gold from alleged illegal Brazilian mining toward Panama and Turkey. Trade & Climate Policy: Paraguay reserved third-party rights in a WTO dispute over the EU’s CBAM and alleged export subsidies tied to emissions allowances. Infrastructure Knowledge Exchange: El Salvador’s FOVIAL Engineering Fair 2026 featured technical presentations and included a Paraguay delegation focused on modern road conservation methods.

Energy & Business: Paraguay will host Energías Paraguay 2026 – Foro & Expo B2B in Asunción on Oct. 1, bringing together authorities and firms to discuss fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, tech and payment systems, with a focus on how service stations can diversify beyond fuel sales. Mining & Trade Security: Paraguayan authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking network, arresting four and seizing 22 kg of highly refined gold believed to have come from illegal Brazilian mines and routed via Paraguay and Panama toward Turkey. Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay’s government announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform to build commercial forests, restore native areas, and pursue timber and carbon-credit revenue, with deployment expected in early 2027. Climate & Hydropower Watch: Yacyretá warns El Niño/“Super Niño” rains could double Paraná River inflows, boosting water volumes but not necessarily electricity generation, with monitoring and possible discharge controls planned. Digital Enforcement: Operation LUMEN launches a coordinated Paraguay-led site-blocking push targeting 300+ domains tied to piracy and malware across Latin America. Agri-Food Link: Singapore is deepening ties with Paraguay via carbon-credit collaboration and broader agri-food supply-chain cooperation in Latin America.

Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay’s government announced a $200 million sustainable forestry platform at the Paraguay Investment Forum, targeting commercial forests, native restoration, and revenue via timber and carbon credits, with capital expected to start in early 2027. Hydropower & Climate Watch: Yacyretá says El Niño/“Super Niño” rains could push Paraná River inflows to double historical averages, while warning higher water won’t automatically mean more electricity and may require controlled releases to manage flood risk. Gold Trafficking Crackdown: Paraguay uncovered an international gold trafficking route, raiding nine sites in Asunción and arresting four over shipments believed to originate in illegal Brazilian mining and move via Paraguay and Panama toward Turkey. Regional Security Push: Paraguay is among countries backing the Shield of the Americas plan, which designates 24 armed groups for coordinated action and sanctions-focused measures against transnational criminal networks. Copyright Enforcement: Paraguay’s DINAPI joined Operation LUMEN, a regional site-blocking effort targeting 317 piracy and malware domains across Latin America, including more than 300 domains linked to stream ripping. Trade & Supply Chains: Singapore is deepening Latin America ties on agri-food, green and digital finance, including carbon-credit collaboration agreements that include Paraguay.

Sustainable Forestry Investment: Paraguay’s Office of the President and J.P. Morgan Asset Management announced a ~$200M investment in a large-scale sustainable forestry platform, aiming to build commercial forests, restore native areas, and produce timber, carbon credits, and wood-products locally starting in early 2027. Security & Organized Crime Cooperation: Paraguay is among countries backing the Shield of the Americas push, with a focus on coordinated sanctions and cross-border action against major armed criminal groups. Digital Enforcement Against Piracy: Paraguay’s DINAPI joined Operation LUMEN, a regional site-blocking effort targeting 300+ domains tied to stream ripping and malware, disrupting services that drew millions of visits monthly. Energy & Water Risk for Industry: “Super Niño” conditions could boost Paraná River flows and affect Yacyretá operations, with the binational entity monitoring rainfall and preparing discharge actions to manage flood peaks. Business & Trade Linkages: Singapore is deepening Latin America cooperation in supply chains, agri-food resilience, and green/digital finance, including carbon-credit collaboration agreements that include Paraguay. Local Industry Growth: Paraguay’s maquila sector reportedly crossed US$1B in value in eight months of 2026, signaling continued manufacturing momentum.

Sustainable Forestry Investment: Paraguay’s Office of the President and J.P. Morgan Asset Management announced a ~$200M push for a large-scale sustainable forestry platform, with Grupo Robinson partnering on commercial forests, native restoration, and locally processed timber plus carbon credits—capital expected to start in early 2027. Energy & Climate Watch: “Super Niño” conditions could keep rainfall above normal through late 2026 into early 2027, boosting Paraná River flows and raising Yacyretá Hydroelectric Power Plant inflow; EBY says it will monitor and, if needed, use discharge structures to manage flood risk. Tourism & Hotels: Days Inn plans new hotels outside Asunción after market studies, while Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra signed deals for an NH hotel in Asunción (116 rooms) and a broader development framework. IP & Digital Enforcement: Paraguay’s DINAPI joined Operation LUMEN, a regional site-blocking campaign targeting 317 stream-ripping and malware domains, including 44 linked to malicious activity. Industry Growth Signal: Paraguay’s maquila sector reportedly crossed US$1B in eight months of 2026, underscoring continued manufacturing momentum.

Hospitality Expansion: Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra signed deals in Madrid to explore new hotel development and manage a new 116-room NH hotel in Asunción, betting on Paraguay’s growing tourism and real estate demand. Tourism & Regional Links: Corrientes and Paraguay (Senatur) agreed on a joint tourism agenda for the Iberá Wetlands, aiming to use Asunción’s air connectivity and co-promote circuits in multiple languages. Tech & Services: Shield launched Forge, an AI operating system for IT services, claiming faster helpdesk resolutions for thousands of businesses—an efficiency play that could resonate with Paraguay’s service providers. Digital Rights Enforcement: Operation LUMEN is expanding across Paraguay and neighbors, targeting 317 stream-ripping and malware-linked sites via domain blocking. Industry & Investment Risk: A UK low-carbon fertilizer firm is reportedly considering arbitration against Paraguay over a $665M renewable-powered project, raising attention on investor confidence and treaty disputes. Local Business & Culture: Paraguayan designer Simón Villalba won Best Custom Fashion Designer at New York Fashion Week, adding global visibility to Paraguay’s creative industries. International Diplomacy: President Santiago Peña reiterated support for Taiwan’s full UN participation, tying it to democracy and global economic stability.

Cross-border Anti-Piracy Crackdown: Operation LUMEN is expanding across Latin America, with Paraguay’s DINAPI joining Peru’s INDECOPI-led effort to block 317 stream-ripping and malware-linked domains; authorities cite 15M monthly visits and 5.4M unique visitors over the past year, aiming to push users toward licensed platforms. Paraguay in the Spotlight for Investment Disputes: A UK low-carbon fertilizer firm says it will pursue international arbitration against Paraguay over a $665M renewable-power project, alleging a breach of the bilateral investment treaty. Manufacturing & Trade Growth Signal: Paraguay’s maquila sector reportedly crossed US$1B in exports in just eight months of 2026, underscoring momentum in industrial production. Tech & Industry Skills Link: Taiwan and Paraguay are advancing AI and digital competitiveness ties through a technology forum in Asunción, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, smart agriculture, and AI governance. Motorsport Milestone: Paraguayan driver Joshua Dürksen became the first from Paraguay to test a modern Formula 1 car, completing 187 laps (875 km) with Mercedes in Portugal—an industry-ready talent story for the region.

Maquila Momentum: Paraguay’s maquila sector topped US$1 billion in cumulative exports in 2026, with exports up 26% so far and 40,000 jobs supported, as MIC reports a new August monthly record near US$150M. Food & Trade Signals: Switzerland suspended meat imports from Brazil over antibiotic-use compliance concerns, a move that could ripple through Mercosur supply chains that include Paraguay. Tech & Industry Skills: Taiwan-Paraguay’s Digital Affairs deputy highlighted AI governance and smart agriculture at the Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum, pushing deeper academia-industry links. Bilateral Business & Diplomacy: Paraguay and Venezuela relaunched diplomatic and consular ties, with a shared agenda spanning trade, energy, consular support, and tackling transnational organized crime. Tourism Cooperation: Corrientes and Paraguay advanced a joint tourism agenda for the Iberá Wetlands, aiming to use Asunción air connectivity and multilingual promotion. Local Spotlight: Paraguay’s theatre scene celebrated Premios Edda de los Ríos, with Barrunto taking top honors including Best Play. Sports Industry Pride: Asunción-born Joshua Dürksen became the first Paraguayan to drive a modern Formula 1 car, completing a Mercedes test in Portugal.

Maquila Momentum: Paraguay’s maquila sector topped US$1B in cumulative 2026 exports, up 26% year-to-date, and now accounts for 69% of industrial exports—supporting 40,000 jobs and a new August monthly record of about US$150M. Trade & Risk: A new U.S. lean-beef tariff-relief window (90 days from Sept. 1) is set to import up to 300,000 tons, but Paraguay-linked cattle feeders are watching closely as the policy adds uncertainty to pricing and supply planning. Legal/Investment: A British low-carbon fertilizer firm says it will pursue international arbitration against Paraguay over a $665M renewable-power project, alleging a breach of the UK–Paraguay investment treaty. Digital & Industry Tech: Paraguay’s MODA deputy minister Isabel Hou joined a Taiwan-Paraguay AI and technology forum, highlighting cooperation in advanced manufacturing, smart agriculture, and digital government. Energy/Infrastructure Diplomacy: Paraguay and Venezuela moved to relaunch diplomatic and consular ties, with a cooperation agenda that includes trade expansion and energy collaboration. Tourism & Ecosystems: Corrientes (Argentina) and Paraguay’s Senatur agreed a joint plan to boost international tourism around the Esteros del Iberá, including multi-language promotion and stronger digital outreach. Local Restoration: Ciudad del Este’s San Blas Cathedral restoration is underway after the February fire, with new safety systems and a planned Feb. 3, 2027 reopening.

Maquila Momentum: Paraguay’s maquila sector hit a major milestone, breaking the US$1 billion export mark in just eight months of 2026, with exports up 26% and 40,000 jobs tied to the regime. Digital & AI Cooperation: Paraguay’s Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Isabel Hou attended the Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum in Asunción, pushing AI governance, smart agriculture, and stronger academia-industry links. Health Access for Paraguay: PAHO and Gilead expanded access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional revolving funds, including Paraguay among 14 countries. Diplomacy & Trade Reset: Venezuela and Paraguay moved to relaunch diplomatic and consular relations during President Santiago Peña’s visit, with cooperation focused on trade, energy, consular support, and organized crime. Security Collaboration: Operation ATLAS NEXUS dismantled dozens of transnational criminal networks across multiple regions, with major seizures and 490+ arrests. Energy/Industry Watch: Paraguay’s regional ties also surfaced around hydrocarbons cooperation as PDVSA and TotalEnergies signed a memorandum to boost development of an Orinoco block. Culture & Talent: Asunción hosted the Premios Edda de los Ríos, with Barrunto winning top theatre honors.

Maquila Boom: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed the US$1 billion export mark in just eight months of 2026, with exports up 26% and the regime now driving 69% of industrial exports and 40,000 jobs. Diplomacy for Trade and Energy: Acting Venezuela President Delcy Rodríguez hosted Paraguayan President Santiago Peña in Caracas to relaunch diplomatic and consular ties, with a shared agenda spanning trade expansion, energy cooperation, consular support, and joint action against transnational organized crime. Pharma Partnerships: Sandoz and mAbxience signed a licensing, development, manufacturing and commercialization deal for an emicizumab biosimilar for haemophilia A, with manufacturing in Argentina and Spain and global commercialization rights for Sandoz (excluding Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay). Humanitarian Logistics: The UAE delivered earthquake aid to Colombia using Paraguay’s production capacity and regional logistics, supporting local suppliers and accelerating relief delivery. Security Cooperation: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—led by Belgian Federal Police with EU and regional partners—reported 156.9 tonnes seized and 490+ arrests across drug trafficking, human trafficking, document fraud, firearms and environmental crime, with Paraguay included among the broader regional footprint. Local Industry & Culture: Paraguay’s theatre awards highlighted local production Barrunto as a top winner at Premios Edda de los Ríos, reflecting continued momentum in the creative industries.

Maquila Momentum: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in cumulative exports in just eight months of 2026, with growth of 26% and about 40,000 jobs—August alone hit a monthly record near US$150 million. Pharma Partnerships: Sandoz and mAbxience signed a licensing, development, manufacturing and commercialization deal for an emicizumab biosimilar, with mAbxience producing in Argentina and Spain and Sandoz holding global commercialization rights excluding Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Humanitarian Logistics: The UAE dispatched earthquake aid to Colombia using Paraguay’s production capacity and regional logistics, supporting local suppliers including SMEs. Regional Diplomacy & Energy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña visited Venezuela to restore diplomatic and consular ties; the framework was signed while the long-running PDVSA oil debt issue remains unresolved. Infrastructure Restoration: Ciudad del Este’s San Blas Cathedral restoration began after the February fire, with new safety systems and a planned reopening on Feb. 3, 2027. Industry Expansion: Ticketplus acquired Argentina’s Autoentrada to bring its own brand into Argentina and shift from white-label to full operations.

Humanitarian Logistics: The UAE dispatched $10M in earthquake aid to Colombia, using Paraguay’s production capacity and regional logistics so supplies can be bought in Paraguay and shipped to affected areas—supporting local SMEs along the way. Diplomatic-Energy Talks: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña met Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez to restore consular and institutional ties; a framework for cooperation was signed, but Paraguay’s disputed PDVSA oil debt remains unresolved. Heritage & Construction: Ciudad del Este’s San Blas Cathedral restoration began after the February fire, with new safety systems and a planned reopening on Feb. 3, 2027. Agribusiness & Trade Risk: A feed-industry update warns EU soy meal shortages for 2026-27 could hit at least 5M tons, with Paraguay flagged as low-risk for availability—important for regional exporters. Energy Investment Dispute: UK firm ATOME filed a notice of dispute and intent to arbitrate against Paraguay under the UK-Paraguay investment treaty over its Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project. Healthcare Industry: mAbxience and Sandoz signed a deal to develop an emicizumab biosimilar, with mAbxience handling development and manufacturing and Sandoz leading global commercialization.

Cathedral Restoration in Ciudad del Este: Restoration of San Blas Cathedral has started seven months after a February fire, with ITAIPU Binacional and partners rebuilding the roof and wooden beams and adding fire-safety upgrades; the site is set to reopen 3 Feb 2027. Hydrocarbons Deal: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez led a PDVSA–TotalEnergies memorandum to boost cooperation on the Ayacucho 2 block in the Orinoco Oil Belt, signaling continued energy partnership momentum across the region. Paraguay–Venezuela Diplomacy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña met Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez to restore bilateral contacts, with talks expected to cover trade, consular services, and energy/financial issues. Agribusiness & Feed Costs: FEFAC warns EU feed makers face a soybean meal squeeze in 2026–27 as drought and EUDR sourcing constraints converge, with Paraguay flagged as low-risk for availability—important for regional supply planning. Industrial Investment Dispute: ATOME says it has served a notice of dispute and intent to arbitrate Paraguay under the UK–Paraguay investment treaty over the Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project. Culture with Industry Links: Paraguay’s Aché craft tradition is recognized through “Living National Treasures,” while Asunción’s Casa MOLA Paraguay spotlights sustainable fashion and circular economy practices.