AGP Executive Report

Paraguay Economy: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest growth, with GDP up 5.7% year-on-year, led by agriculture, services, energy and construction—though momentum cooled in the second quarter. Digital Life: A new Paraguay-focused explainer asks what daily life would look like if the country lost internet for 24 hours, highlighting how deeply online services now shape payments, communication and logistics. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation has conserved two rare Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary, protecting fragile nitrate film for future digitisation. Gender & Public Voice: TEDIC’s “All Male Panel” exhibition opens in Asunción, using a photo archive of more than 1,500 images to spotlight the absence of women experts in public discussions. Fashion: Asunción Fashion Week returns for Resort 2026/27 (Oct 7–11), with a theme built around Paraguayan identity and local materials. International Context: A Latinobarómetro survey says favorability toward China is rising across Latin America, including Paraguay, while views of the U.S. decline.

Paraguay Economy: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest growth, with GDP up 5.7% year-on-year, led by agriculture, services, energy and construction—though momentum cooled from 7.3% in Q1 to 4.0% in Q2. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation has conserved two rare Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary, protecting fragile nitrate film and preparing it for future digitisation. Culture & Society: TEDIC’s “All Male Panel” exhibition opened at the Centro Cultural de España in Asunción, using 1,500+ photos collected since 2017 to spotlight the absence of women experts in public decision-making. International Ties: Spain’s Embassy launched “Aires de España” (free events across October), tying cultural and development cooperation activities to Spain’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of the Centro Cultural de España in Paraguay. Tech & Daily Life: A Paraguay-focused thought experiment asks what happens if the country loses internet for 24 hours, highlighting how deeply online services now shape everyday life.

Paraguay Economy Watch: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with South America’s fastest growth, with GDP up 5.7% year-on-year, led by agriculture (up 12.3%), though momentum cooled as growth eased from 7.3% in Q1 to 4.0% in Q2. Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay votes Sunday, Oct. 4, with over 5 million people choosing mayors and municipal council members; alcohol sales are banned nationwide from 19:00 Saturday until polls close. Heat and Climate Risk: A severe heatwave broke a 74-year temperature record, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C, after extreme temperatures hit more than a dozen localities. Digital Life Dependence: A new look at what a 24-hour internet outage would mean highlights how deeply daily life in Paraguay now relies on online banking, messaging, payments, and services. Culture and Identity: Asunción Fashion Week returns Oct. 7-11 with Resort 2026/27, built around Paraguayan identity pillars like Form, Matter, Gaze, and Origin. Environment and Conservation: Paraguay’s bat-conservation work marks Latin America’s Bat Day with the Guaraní “mbopi” campaign, while a separate report spotlights the San Rafael Atlantic Forest fragment as a key biodiversity area.

Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay votes Sunday, Oct. 4 for mayors and municipal council members across 263 districts, with key rules in place—campaigning ends Thu., Oct. 1 at 23:59, and alcohol sales are banned nationwide from 19:00 Saturday until polls close. Extreme Heat: Paraguay shattered a 74-year temperature record over Sept. 26–27, with Mariscal Estigarribia in the Chaco reaching 43.8°C. Storm Damage: A severe storm with winds up to 90 km/h left at least 4,000 families affected in Caaguazú, San Pedro and Cordillera, damaging homes, power lines and crops. El Niño Watch: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related risks, from unsafe water to disrupted schooling and displacement. Local Culture & Nature: Paraguay’s Bat Day push highlights the Guaraní word “mbopi” and a renewed bat conservation effort, while Asunción’s OSCA hosts Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly in a free concert Oct. 1. Business/Tech: Nexalin Technology signed a 10-year exclusive distribution and local manufacturing deal covering Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay votes Sunday, Oct. 4 for mayors and municipal councils across 263 districts, with key rules on election weekend—campaigning ends Thu., Oct. 1 at 23:59, and alcohol sales are banned nationwide from 19:00 Saturday until polls close. Heatwave Watch: Paraguay shattered a 74-year temperature record over the weekend, with the Chaco region—especially Mariscal Estigarribia—hitting 43.8°C. Storm Damage: A severe storm left thousands of families affected in central and northern areas, damaging homes, power lines and crops in Caaguazú, San Pedro and Cordillera. Culture & Community: Asunción hosts free performances and events, including Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly with OSCA on Oct. 1 and the Words & Sound festival at the Port of Asunción on Oct. 3. Nature & Conservation: Paraguay marks Latin America Bat Day with renewed bat-conservation efforts, while San Rafael’s Atlantic Forest fragment highlights biodiversity and water protection. Health Tech & Business: Nexalin signed an exclusive distribution and local manufacturing deal covering Paraguay and other South American markets, tied to an initial commercialization program. Global Climate Alert: El Niño is forecast to peak in December, raising the risk of extreme weather across the region.

Conservation Finance in Paraguay: A Paraguayan team is exploring how to fund protection in the San Rafael Key Biodiversity Area, one of the last major Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest remnants, home to 440 bird species and key water and carbon benefits—while enforcement inside the national park remains underfunded. Health Tech in Asunción: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Center (CER Training Center) at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences campus, training experienced surgeons with online prep, simulations, and practical sessions. EU Trade Watch: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to pause the EU–Mercosur trade deal, keeping provisional implementation on track—an issue that directly involves Paraguay as part of Mercosur. Regional Security: Paraguay is among countries backing the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas,” which now adds an economic pillar alongside security and multilateral coordination. Climate Pressure: El Niño is expected to peak in December, with major child impacts across the Americas—raising pressure on food, water, and humanitarian systems. Culture & Arts: Asunción’s Port hosts the free Words & Sound 2026 festival on Oct. 3, and Paraguay’s LOEWE Craft Prize 2027 push opens a new international stage for local artisans. Business & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking, adding Paraguay to its stablecoin card coverage.

Shield of the Americas: The U.S. is expanding visa restrictions and other measures against people accused of supporting transnational criminal organizations under its “Shield of the Americas” push, with a Sept. 22 joint declaration that includes Paraguay and 14 other countries. EU-Mercosur Update: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to pause the EU–Mercosur trade deal, saying Poland failed to show serious, irreversible harm to agriculture, consumers, or the environment. Paraguay Tech & Finance: Jeeves raised $110M to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform and is adding Paraguay to its stablecoin card coverage. Health Innovation: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Center (CER) at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences campus in Asunción to train specialist surgeons. Culture & Arts: Asunción’s Port hosts the free Words & Sound 2026 festival on Oct. 3, and the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2027 opens applications for Paraguayan artists and artisans until Oct. 15. Film: Paraguay selected “Narciso” as its official submission for the Oscars and the Goya Awards.

Paraguay Film Spotlight: Paraguay has selected Narciso as its official submission for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film and the Goya Awards, based on the real-life case of broadcaster Bernardo Aranda under the Stroessner era. Civic Space Watch: Paraguay’s civic space is under scrutiny at the UN Human Rights Council, with concerns that laws tied to non-profit regulation and protest restrictions have only been partially implemented. Environment & Tourism: The Tost, Toson Bumba Mountain Nature Reserve received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, adding momentum to protected-area and sustainable tourism efforts linked to Paraguay’s regional conservation work. Country Brand Abroad: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña awarded the Marca País Country Brand licence to New York’s I Love Paraguay restaurant, marking the first overseas business to receive the distinction. Regional Diplomacy: The OAS called a foreign ministers meeting for Oct. 2 to analyze Nicaragua’s political crisis, following constitutional changes that narrow opposition participation. Trade Politics: The EU’s top court rejected Poland’s bid to halt implementation of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, a move that could affect Paraguay’s regional trade outlook. International Mobility: Spain expanded a fast-track citizenship route, allowing citizens of 23 countries to apply after two years—relevant for Paraguay-linked migration planning. Business & Finance: Jeeves announced it will expand stablecoin-native cards to include Paraguay, as it raises $110M to scale its payments platform.

Civic Space Under Pressure: Paraguay’s partial adoption of UN Human Rights Council civic-space recommendations is drawing criticism, with civil society groups warning that Law 7363/2024 and related rules could restrict freedom of association and civil society operations. UNESCO Conservation: The Tost, Toson Bumba Mountain Nature Reserve has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, with the designation linked to Paraguay’s earlier role in the UNESCO MAB meeting. Film on the International Run: Paraguay’s Academy of Film Arts and Sciences selected Narciso as the country’s official submission for the Oscars and the Goya Awards, based on a real-life broadcaster case tied to the Stroessner era. Asunción Clean-Up Push: The capital is stepping up its “Vertedero Clandestino Cero” campaign, targeting more than 100 illegal dumping sites and aiming to turn recovered areas near Laguna Las Garzas into a community football pitch. Country Brand Abroad: President Santiago Peña granted New York’s I Love Paraguay an official Marca País licence, highlighting Paraguayan gastronomy and identity in the U.S. Adolescent Mothers Support: Fundación Naho continues backing vulnerable adolescent mothers in Asunción, reporting progress in education, training, and formal employment outcomes.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration moved to revoke visas of 27 Latin American officials and former officials, including Bolivia’s attorney general Roger Mariaca, citing alleged corruption tied to narco-trafficking. Regional Security Push: Paraguay is among OAS members backing a call to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, urging UN Security Council action plus funding and logistics. Asunción Clean-Up: The capital launched a new phase of its “Zero Illegal Dumping” operation, targeting more than 100 suspected dumping sites and aiming to turn one recovered area near Laguna Las Garzas into a community football pitch. Youth & Education: Fundación Naho continues supporting adolescent mothers in Asunción with education, training and support to break cycles of poverty. Culture & Film: Paraguay’s horror drama “La Sombra” released its trailer ahead of an Oct. 1, 2026 cinema premiere, while Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” invites students to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education. Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026 brings fuel, renewables and technology players to Asunción on Oct. 1.

Paraguay Abroad & Culture: President Santiago Peña presented the I Love Paraguay restaurant in New York with an official Marca País licence, spotlighting Paraguayan food and identity overseas. Environment & Tourism: A new “Into The Wild” series begins with Caazapá National Park, home to all five Paraguayan toucan species and rich Atlantic Forest biodiversity. Local Governance & Clean Cities: Asunción launched a new phase of its Vertedero Clandestino Cero operation, targeting more than 100 illegal dumping sites and aiming to turn a recovered area near Laguna Las Garzas into a community football pitch. Youth & Education: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” challenge is underway, asking students to recreate Asunción’s historic centre in Minecraft Education until 6 November. Film & Entertainment: Paraguay’s horror drama “La Sombra” released its trailer ahead of its 1 October 2026 cinema premiere. Business & Energy: Energías Paraguay 2026 (1 Oct, Asunción) will bring authorities and companies to discuss fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, and payment systems. Social Impact: Fundación Naho continues supporting adolescent mothers in Asunción with education, training, and psychological support to help break poverty cycles.

Adolescent Support: Fundación Naho is backing Paraguayan adolescent mothers in Asunción’s Bañado Sur with education, training, mental health help and entrepreneurship—since 2017 it has supported 1,100+ women, with 64 completing the full program and 24 landing formal jobs. City Clean-Up: Asunción is pushing a new phase of its Vertedero Clandestino Cero drive, targeting 100+ illegal dumping sites, starting with an intervention near Laguna Las Garzas and plans to turn the recovered area into a community football pitch. Culture & Film: Paraguay’s horror drama La Sombra released its official trailer ahead of an Oct. 1 cinema premiere, following two brothers whose isolation blurs reality and psychological distress. Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026—Foro & Expo B2B—hits Asunción Oct. 1, bringing authorities and firms to discuss fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables and payment systems. Heritage for Youth: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” competition is underway until Nov. 6, inviting students to recreate Asunción’s historic centre in Minecraft Education. Sustainable Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay announced a $200M sustainable forestry platform, including native restoration and carbon-market-linked revenue, with deployment expected early next year. Crime Probe: Paraguay uncovered an international gold trafficking network in Operation Aurelia, raiding nine locations in Asunción and surrounding cities, arresting four and seizing high-purity gold believed to have links to illegal Brazilian mining.

Adolescent Mothers Support: Fundación Naho is backing Paraguayan teen mothers in Asunción’s Bañado Sur with education, training, mental health help and entrepreneurship—since 2017 it has supported 1,100+ young women, with 64 completing the full program and 24 landing formal jobs. City Clean-Up Push: Asunción is stepping up its Vertedero Clandestino Cero drive, targeting 100+ illegal dumping sites; the latest operation near Laguna Las Garzas aims to restore the area and eventually turn it into a community football pitch. Film & Culture: Paraguay’s horror drama La Sombra released its trailer ahead of an Oct. 1 cinema premiere, while the national “Guardianes del Patrimonio” contest is underway, inviting kids to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education. Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026 (Oct. 1) will bring energy firms and officials to Asunción to discuss fuels, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems. Heritage in the Making: Students can register for the Minecraft heritage competition until early November, with guided tours and training already underway. International Spotlight: Paraguay is among countries backing OAS calls to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate. Gold Trafficking Probe: Paraguay uncovered a suspected international gold route—Operation Aurelia led to raids in Asunción and arrests tied to high-purity gold shipments believed to move via Panama toward overseas markets.

UN Diplomacy & Gaza: The UN General Assembly debate sharpened global divisions over Gaza, with Israel and Palestinian leadership delivering irreconcilable accounts and delegations walking out amid calls for arms limits, sanctions and settlement trade restrictions. OAS & Haiti Security: 32 OAS member states, including Paraguay, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with funding, equipment and logistics. Paraguay Energy & Heritage: Paraguay will host Energías Paraguay 2026 in Asunción on Oct. 1, focusing on fuels, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems; meanwhile, Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” launches a Minecraft Education contest to recreate Asunción’s historic centre (registration open until early Nov.). Local Culture & Music: Asunción’s Historic Centre holds a weekend of free concerts and exhibitions, including a tribute to violinist Lorenzo Álvarez. Crime Probe: Paraguay says it uncovered an international gold trafficking network, raiding nine locations and arresting four people.

Energy & Business: Paraguay will host Energías Paraguay 2026 – Foro & Expo B2B on Oct. 1 in Asunción, with free registration, bringing together authorities and companies to discuss fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems. Heritage & Education: The “Guardianes del Patrimonio” Minecraft Education contest is underway until Nov. 6, inviting students ages 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s historic centre, with training and guided tours led by Senatur. Culture & Sustainability: Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra of Cateura is touring the Bay Area, turning landfill trash into instruments and using music to open doors for kids from Cateura. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking network, raiding nine sites in Asunción and arresting four people in “Operation Aurelia.” Environment & Power: Yacyretá warns El Niño rains could double Paraná River inflows versus historical averages, though that may not automatically boost electricity generation. Travel & Visas: A guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length.

Gold Trafficking Crackdown: Paraguay says it uncovered an international gold route, raiding nine locations in Asunción and nearby cities, arresting four people and seizing 22 kg of highly refined gold believed to have come from illegal Brazilian mines, with shipments allegedly routed via Panama toward Turkey. Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay announced a $200 million plan for sustainable forestry, including commercial forests, native restoration, and potential revenue from timber and carbon credits, with deployment expected early next year. Water & El Niño Watch: Yacyretá warns El Niño rains could push Paraná River inflows to as much as double the historical average, though officials say that may not translate into higher electricity generation. Regional Security Politics: Paraguay is among countries backing the “Shield of the Americas” push targeting 24 armed groups, with critics arguing it’s also about broader geopolitical influence. Travel & Visas: A guide highlights which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length. Culture in Asunción: The Historic Centre hosts a weekend of concerts, exhibitions, and family activities, including tributes tied to Paraguayan music.