AGP Executive Report

Taiwan Tensions: China sanctioned Communications Minister Gustavo Villate over Paraguay’s ties with Taiwan, imposing travel and business restrictions. Paraguay rejected the move and reaffirmed its support for Taiwan; the U.S. condemned Beijing’s actions. Flood Response: Paraná River flooding forced the evacuation of 100 families in Paraguay. Regional Relations: President Santiago Peña met El Salvador’s vice president and invited Nayib Bukele to visit Paraguay. Culture: Paraguay recognized traditional cocido, including burnt cocido, as intangible cultural heritage. Sport and Economy: The 2026 World Rally Championship in Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact, while the country is set to host one centenary match in the 2030 World Cup.

Diplomacy: China sanctioned Paraguay’s communications minister, Gustavo Villate, over Asunción’s ties with Taiwan, imposing travel and business restrictions. Villate says Paraguay will continue its joint projects with Taiwan; Washington called Beijing’s move coercive. Flood Response: Flooding from the Paraná River forced the evacuation of about 100 families in Ciudad del Este, as authorities warned heavy rain could continue. Sports: Taiwan skaters won gold and silver at the World Skate Games in Asunción, part of a competition drawing athletes from 37 countries. 2030 World Cup: Paraguay is set to host a centenary match; Netflix has secured exclusive rights in Spain and Andorra, with some games there promised free-to-air. Health: Paraguay has climbed from 10th to second in the region for infant vaccination coverage. Heritage: The Japanese community in Yguazú is marking 90 years of immigration with traditions that continue to shape local life.

Taiwan Tensions: China sanctioned Communications Minister Gustavo Villate over Paraguay’s ties with Taiwan, freezing any assets he holds in China, barring him from entry and prohibiting Chinese organisations from doing business with him. Beijing called the move a warning to others; the US said it opposes China’s coercion of countries exercising their sovereign rights. Flood Emergency: Flooding of the Paraná River after heavy rain forced the evacuation of about 100 families from Ciudad del Este’s San Rafael neighborhood. Authorities moved residents to a chapel and sports centre as more rain was forecast. Housing: Paraguay’s home-loan portfolio more than doubled in four years to ₲10.87 trillion, but a study found that only 9,599 of 273,316 single people and couples aged 25–40 in Greater Asunción could afford a median new two-bedroom apartment after saving for up to five years. Public Health: Paraguay rose from 10th to second in a regional ranking for infant vaccination coverage, sharing the position with Mexico and Panama. Rally Impact: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic activity, up 57.5% from 2025, with more than 884,000 cumulative spectator attendances.

Taiwan Tensions: China sanctioned Paraguay’s communications minister over the country’s ties with Taiwan, freezing any assets he holds in China, barring his entry and prohibiting Chinese organisations from doing business with him. Child Health: Paraguay climbed from 10th to second in a regional ranking for infant vaccination coverage, sharing the position with Mexico and Panama. Housing: Home-loan lending has more than doubled since 2022, but a study finds only 9,599 of 273,316 young adults in Greater Asunción could afford a median new two-bedroom apartment after saving for up to five years. Storm Relief: The UAE announced urgent aid for Paraguayans whose homes and property were damaged by severe storms. Rally Impact: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic activity, up 57.5% from 2025, with spending boosting businesses across Itapúa. Women’s Safety: The killing of 22-year-old Deisy Giménez in Lambaré has renewed calls for justice and stronger protection after she reported abuse and obtained a restraining order. Asunción Culture: Ruta de Bibliotecas returns on 17 October, offering a free guided tour of 13 libraries and cultural centres.

Rally’s Economic Boost: Paraguay’s 2026 World Rally Championship round generated an estimated US$209.9 million, up 57.5% from 2025, with more than 884,000 cumulative attendances and strong gains for businesses in Itapúa. Storm Relief: The UAE has announced emergency assistance for families whose homes and property were damaged by severe thunderstorms, coordinating with Paraguayan authorities to identify needs. Women’s Safety: Women’s groups are demanding justice after 22-year-old Deisy Paola Giménez Segovia was killed in Lambaré. Organizers say she had reported abuse and obtained a restraining order before her death. Culture: Paraguayan Poet Day on October 11 highlighted Susy Delgado’s work bringing Spanish and Guaraní together in poetry. Diplomacy: Vice President Pedro Alliana reaffirmed Paraguay’s strategic ties with Israel during a visit, citing shared democratic values and support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Rally Boost: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic activity, up 57.5% from 2025, with more than 884,000 cumulative attendances. Women’s Safety: Groups are demanding justice after 22-year-old Deisy Paola Giménez Segovia was killed in Lambaré, despite having reported abuse and obtained a restraining order. Culture: Poet Susy Delgado’s work celebrates Paraguay’s bilingual identity, bringing Guaraní and Spanish together for Paraguayan Poet Day. Storm Relief: The UAE has pledged urgent assistance for families affected by severe thunderstorms that damaged homes and property. Sport: Paraguay’s newly formed inline hockey team is making its international debut at the World Skate Games in Asunción. Investment: JPMorgan has highlighted Paraguay’s potential in energy, forestry and infrastructure, while the World Bank projects the country will outpace regional growth.

Women’s Safety: Women’s groups in Paraguay are demanding justice after 22-year-old Deisy Paola Giménez Segovia was shot dead in Lambaré. She had reported alleged abuse by her former partner and obtained a restraining order; the case has renewed calls for stronger protection and accountability. Storm Relief: The UAE has pledged urgent aid for families affected by severe thunderstorms that damaged homes and property across Paraguay, coordinating with local authorities to identify needs. World Skate Games: Paraguay’s first inline hockey team, formed just months ago, is making its international debut at the Games in Asunción, which run through October 18. Diplomacy: Vice President Pedro Alliana told The Jerusalem Post that Paraguay will maintain its close ties with Israel despite the political costs, describing the relationship as a strategic alliance. Economy: The World Bank says Paraguay is outperforming Latin America’s projected 2.2% growth in 2026, while JPMorgan has highlighted opportunities in the country’s energy, forestry and infrastructure sectors.

Storm Relief: The UAE has announced urgent humanitarian aid for Paraguay after severe thunderstorms damaged homes and property. Its aid agency is coordinating with Paraguayan authorities to identify needs and reach affected families. Israel Ties: Vice President Pedro Alliana says Paraguay will not abandon its friendship with Israel despite possible political costs, reaffirming the relationship during a visit to mark three years since the October 7 attacks. World Skate Games: Asunción’s newly formed inline hockey team is preparing to face experienced international rivals at the World Skate Games, after players learned the sport in just a few months. Business and Growth: The World Bank says Paraguay is outperforming the region’s modest 2026 growth outlook, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment; JPMorgan has also highlighted opportunities in energy, forestry and infrastructure. Publishing: Paraguay registered 1,393 new publications in 2025, up 10.4% year over year, with author-publishers increasing nearly 70%.

Storm Relief: The UAE has launched emergency aid for Paraguay after severe thunderstorms damaged homes and property. Its teams are coordinating with Paraguayan authorities to identify urgent needs and reach affected families. Digital Security: A regional report says a leak from Paraguay’s electoral authorities exposed data belonging to nearly seven million people, amid a wider rise in digital surveillance and data breaches. Culture: Applications are open for Paraguayan musicians, performers and fashion designers to showcase work at MICSUR in Asunción, Nov. 19–22; the deadline is Oct. 18. Investment: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief cited Paraguay’s stability and hydropower as draws for investors, highlighting opportunities in energy, forestry and infrastructure. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Latin America and the Caribbean will grow 2.2% in 2026, with Paraguay among the countries outperforming the regional average. Sport: Asunción’s World Skate Games continue through Oct. 18; Taiwan’s Chen Yi-fan won men’s artistic skating gold.

Investment: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief says Paraguay’s stability and small state are drawing investor interest, highlighting energy, forestry and infrastructure as promising sectors. Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects Latin America and the Caribbean to grow 2.2% in 2026 and says Paraguay is outperforming the regional average, backed by fiscal consolidation and private investment. Arts and Culture: Applications are open until Oct. 18 for Paraguayan artists, performers and fashion designers seeking to take part in MICSUR, which brings regional creative industries to Asunción in November. Sports: Taiwan’s Chen Yi-fan won men’s artistic skating gold at the World Skate Games in Asunción, running through Oct. 18. Paraguay is also listed on the expanded 2027 World Rally Championship calendar, scheduled to host a round May 29–June 1. Diplomacy: Paraguay’s ties with Taiwan face growing economic pressure from China, as Beijing’s regional influence expands.

Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects Latin America and the Caribbean to grow 2.2% in 2026, while Paraguay continues to outperform the regional average, backed by fiscal consolidation and private investment. Community Projects: Japan is providing about US$300,000 for water, school and road improvements in Cordillera and Central, including a water system expected to serve 4,000 people. Trade: French farmers rallied against the EU-Mercosur deal, fearing competition from South American imports; France says it will oppose the pact. Asunción: Calle Palma hosts a Taiwanese culture fair on Saturday, with food, activities and scholarship information. Currency and Border: The Central Bank has unveiled redesigned guaraní notes, to be introduced gradually, while Brazil tests palm-vein scans to speed pedestrian crossings at the Friendship Bridge. Sport and Culture: Paraguay is on the 2027 World Rally Championship calendar for May 29-June 1. Asunción’s free World Harp Festival runs through Oct. 11, and Paraguay’s U16 teams have upcoming South American basketball qualifiers.

Asunción Today: Calle Palma hosts a Taiwan-themed Palma Fair from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with food, cultural activities and scholarship information. Community Projects: Japan has pledged about US$300,000 for water, school and road improvements in Cordillera and Central, including a water system expected to serve 4,000 people in Caacupé. Severe Weather: Meteorologists linked fist-sized hail that damaged homes and vehicles in Asunción and Central to extreme heat, humidity and El Niño; another storm system was forecast. Economy: The World Bank singled out Paraguay as a regional growth outperformer, alongside El Salvador, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment. National Developments: The Central Bank unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes, to be introduced gradually alongside current notes. Paraguay’s Air Force has also added a Cessna SkyCourier, funded by Itaipu, for medical evacuations, disaster response and other missions. Culture: Asunción’s free World Harp Festival runs through October 11, celebrating Paraguay’s signature instrument with local and international performers.

Border Technology: Brazil has begun testing palm-vein scans for pedestrians at the Friendship Bridge crossing with Paraguay. The pilot tracks repeat crossings without linking scans to travelers’ identities, though data-sharing talks with police are underway. Currency: Paraguay’s central bank unveiled redesigned guaraní notes across all six denominations. They are due to enter circulation gradually from early 2027; current notes remain valid and no zeros will be removed. Air Force: Paraguay has become South America’s first military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier, funded by Itaipu Binacional for medical evacuations, disaster relief and other missions. Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects regional growth of 2.2% in 2026 and names Paraguay among countries outperforming that pace. Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step below investment grade. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate won the capital’s mayoral race, in a closely watched signal ahead of the 2028 national vote. Infrastructure: Only about 16% of Paraguay’s 78,795-kilometre road network is paved or improved, according to updated government figures.

Defense: Paraguay’s Air Force has become South America’s first military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier. Funded by Itaipu Binacional, the aircraft will support medical evacuations, disaster relief and other missions. Economy: The World Bank projects Latin America and the Caribbean will grow 2.2% in 2026 and names Paraguay among the countries outperforming the regional average. Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step below investment grade. Currency: The Central Bank unveiled redesigned guaraní notes for all six denominations; they are expected to enter circulation gradually from early 2027, while current notes remain valid. Infrastructure: Just 16% of Paraguay’s 78,795-kilometre road network is paved or improved, underscoring the challenge of connecting rural communities. Culture and Tourism: Asunción’s free World Harp Festival returns October 9–11. Paraguay will also host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, with about 80 teams expected. Politics: An opposition candidate’s win in Asunción’s mayoral race offers an early gauge of the political mood ahead of the 2028 elections.

Cybercrime Watch: NordVPN says Roblox phishing scams are booming, with 196 fake login addresses spotted in one week in July 2026—some even asking for 2FA codes, backup codes, and PINs. Economy & Investment: The World Bank projects Latin America and the Caribbean growth at 2.2% in 2026, while highlighting Paraguay as a standout performer; Fitch also kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step from investment grade. Paraguay Infrastructure: Paraguay’s road network totals 78,795 km, but only about 16% is paved or improved—most remains unpaved, limiting access to services. Currency Update: Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations), with a gradual rollout planned for early 2027; old notes stay valid. Security Cooperation: The U.S., Paraguay, and nine other countries jointly condemned Iranian terrorist activity in the Western Hemisphere, citing malign operations and pledging tighter coordination. Culture & Community: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo, bringing free public events, including Oktoberfest-style activities.

Credit Watch: Fitch kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, lower public debt and prudent fiscal management, while flagging seven steps needed to reach investment grade. Roads & Connectivity: On National Road Day, Paraguay’s network totals 78,795 km, but only 12,912 km are paved or improved—about 16%—leaving 84% unpaved and raising daily access challenges. Currency Update: The Banco Central del Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations), with new security features and themes tied to national history and biodiversity; they’ll roll out gradually in Q1 2027. Storm Aftermath: After a severe hail-and-wind storm hit Asunción and nearby areas, ANDE reported power restored across over 90% of the metro, with a few feeders still down. Local Politics: In Asunción’s mayoral race, opposition candidate Soledad Núñez narrowly beat the Colorado Party’s Camilo Pérez, a key midterm signal ahead of 2028. Culture: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo through Oct. 14, with free public events including food and Oktoberfest. Tech Spotlight: HIVE Digital Technologies ran AI pre-training using GPUs in Asunción while Columbia researchers worked remotely from New York via fiber links.