AGP Executive Report

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.

Civil Nuclear Deal: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Paraguay’s Vice President Pedro Alliana in Washington and signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in civilian nuclear matters (“123 Agreement”), reaffirming cooperation under IAEA safety, security, and non-proliferation standards. Space & Tech: Paraguay’s GuaraníSat-2—built entirely in-country—has been cleared for transport to the U.S. for launch, with the AEP saying the project is led by a team of 40+ people, largely young professionals trained through prior international work. Energy Infrastructure: CESI completed an upgrade to Itaipu Dam’s monitoring system, adding 59 MEMS inclinometric sensors and new extensometers, integrated with digital platforms for real-time performance visualization. Agribusiness & Trade Disruption Watch: Argentina suspended parts of its pilotage overhaul after industrial action tied up maritime trade, affecting cargo on the Paraná-Paraguay waterway and major terminals. Industry Finance: Aura Minerals reported record first-half results and detailed ongoing construction and expansion work across its projects, signaling continued investment momentum. Regional Security: Panama’s Panamax 2026 drills began with 1,700 troops from 21 countries, including Paraguay, focused on protecting the interoceanic canal and supply chains.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Paraguay’s Vice President Pedro Alliana in Washington and signed a civilian nuclear cooperation “123 Agreement,” alongside a broader push on security cooperation and regional issues including Venezuela. Paraguay’s Space Push: Paraguay’s domestically built satellite GuaraníSat-2 is ready for transport to the U.S. for launch, with the project led by the Paraguayan Space Agency and a team largely made up of young engineers. Hydropower Monitoring Upgrade: CESI completed a major upgrade to Itaipu Dam’s monitoring system, adding new sensors and integrating real-time data tools to support long-term safety and operations. Agribusiness & Trade Disruption Watch: Argentina suspended a pilotage overhaul after industrial action trapped 150+ ships and disrupted cargo flows tied to Paraguay-linked waterways and agricultural exports. Regional Security Drills: Paraguay is among the 21 countries taking part in Panama’s Panamax 2026 exercises focused on protecting the interoceanic canal and supply chains. Business Aviation in Paraguay’s Orbit: Bombardier will showcase the Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026, with Asunción listed on its multi-city Latin America tour. Film Industry Spotlight: Paraguay’s “Narciso” won Best South American Feature at Brazil’s Bonito CineSur Festival, adding another international win for local filmmaking.

Nuclear Energy Deal: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez signed a civilian nuclear cooperation “123 Agreement” in Washington, enabling technology transfers under IAEA safeguards and U.S. monitoring. Space & Tech: Paraguay’s GuaraníSat-2—its first fully domestically built satellite—has been declared ready for transport to the United States for launch, with a young local team and skills transfer highlighted by the Paraguayan Space Agency. Agribusiness Exports: Paraguay’s soy and wheat shipments surged in the first half of 2026, with Capeco reporting higher volumes and values that should strengthen foreign-currency earnings. Energy Infrastructure: CESI completed an upgraded monitoring system for Itaipu Dam, adding new sensors and real-time digital visualization to support long-term safety. Innovation in Asunción: Paraguay Tech Week 2026 runs Aug. 3–7, aiming to connect startups, investors, and corporate partners and position Paraguay as a regional tech hub. Regional Security & Trade: Panamax 2026 military drills in Panama bring 1,700 troops from 21 countries to protect the canal and keep shipping lanes moving.

Space & Tech: Paraguay’s AEP says GuaraníSat-2—built entirely in-country and led by a team of 40+ (mostly 18–25) young engineers—has passed key tests in Japan and is now ready for transport to the U.S. for rocket integration ahead of launch. Energy & Infrastructure: CESI/ISMES has finished a 24-month upgrade to Itaipu Dam’s monitoring system, adding 59 MEMS inclinometric sensors and new extensometers plus real-time digital visualization to support long-term safety. Agri-Exports: Capeco reports Paraguay’s soy shipments jumped to 5.89M tonnes by end-June 2026 (up from 4.11M a year earlier) and wheat exports rose about 30%, boosting foreign-currency earnings. Local Innovation: Asunción’s Paraguay Tech Week 2026 (Aug 3–7) returns with startups, investors, hackathons and meetings aimed at strengthening Paraguay’s tech ecosystem. Regional Trade: The MERCOSUR–Singapore free trade pact took effect for Singapore and Brazil, with Paraguay already covered and tariff cuts starting immediately for most products.

Paraguay Tech & Innovation: Asunción is set to host Paraguay Tech Week 2026 (Aug 3–7), bringing startups, investors, and tech leaders for talks, hackathons, and networking to position Paraguay as a regional innovation hub. Agri-Exports Boost: Paraguay’s soy and wheat exports surged in the first half of 2026, with Capeco reporting nearly 2 million more tonnes of soybeans shipped and wheat shipments up 30%, lifting foreign-currency earnings. Energy & Industry Demand: Hitachi Energy announced Americas leadership changes, naming Andy Goggin as executive VP and head of the region that includes Paraguay—aimed at supporting grid growth amid rising electricity demand. Trade & Logistics Context: The MERCOSUR–Singapore Free Trade Agreement took effect for Brazil and Singapore, with Paraguay already covered earlier, potentially expanding market access for regional exporters. Security & Cross-Border Risks: A study says smuggling from Paraguay into Brazil can yield profits above 500% for organized crime, underlining pressure on border controls around the Friendship Bridge. Tourism & Culture: Itaipú launched the “Click ITAIPU” photography contest to spotlight the Itaipú Tourist Complex’s heritage, with submissions open until Aug 26.

Trade & Industry: The MERCOSUR–Singapore Free Trade Agreement took effect for Brazil and Singapore, cutting tariffs on about 96% of products over up to 15 years and expanding cooperation on standards, digitalization, and food security—building on the pact already in force for Paraguay and Uruguay. Paraguay Tech & Innovation: Asunción will host Paraguay Tech Week 2026 (Aug 3–7), bringing startups, investors, and international tech leaders for conferences, business meetings, hackathons, and networking across multiple venues. Agribusiness Exports: Paraguay’s first-half 2026 grain performance is up: soy shipments rose to 5.89M tonnes (from 4.11M) and wheat exports jumped 30%, lifting foreign-currency earnings. Energy & Tourism: Itaipú Binacional launched the “Click ITAIPU” photography contest to spotlight the Itaipú Tourist Complex’s engineering, nature, and culture, with submissions open until Aug 26. Local Culture & Brand: The WRC Rally del Paraguay 2026 will open with a Kchiporros headline show on Aug 27 in Encarnación, blending motorsport with major public entertainment.

Paraguay Tech Week 2026: Asunción will host Paraguay Tech Week 2026 (Aug 3–7), bringing startups, investors, and tech leaders together for conferences, hackathons, and business meetings to strengthen Paraguay’s role as a regional innovation hub. Agri-exports Boost: Paraguay’s first-half 2026 grain trade is surging, with soy shipments up to 5.89M tonnes and wheat exports up about 30%, lifting foreign-currency earnings and signaling strong demand. Fintech & Formalization: A new look at Paraguay’s fintech scene says digital payments and easier access to services are growing alongside the shift toward a more formal economy, helping close gaps in financial inclusion. Tourism & Industry Culture: Itaipú Binacional launched the “Click ITAIPU” photography contest to spotlight the Itaipú Tourist Complex’s engineering, nature, and heritage—aimed at drawing more visitors and building a public visual archive. Rural Jobs to Curb Migration: Local job creation is being pushed as a practical way to slow internal migration toward urban hubs, with LGUs urged to expand services and opportunities. Livestock & Fertilizer Tech: International manure and organic fertilizer know-how is drawing farmers from Paraguay, highlighting demand for better equipment and more efficient nutrient management. Energy Demand Watch: Paraguay’s electricity demand is reported to have risen by over 18% in the first half of 2026, a key signal for power planning and industrial growth. Motorsport Spotlight: Rally del Paraguay 2026 is gearing up for a bigger public opening, with plans to blend motorsport with major entertainment in Encarnación.

Tech & Innovation: Asunción will host Paraguay Tech Week 2026 (Aug 3–7), bringing startups, investors, and international tech leaders for conferences, hackathons, and business meetings aimed at strengthening Paraguay’s role as a regional innovation hub. Agri-Exports: Paraguay’s soy and wheat shipments surged in the first half of 2026, with soy exports up to 5.89M tonnes and wheat shipments up 30%, boosting foreign-currency earnings. Migration & Jobs: Local government units are urged to create more jobs and services to curb internal migration toward urban hubs, with officials pointing to the need for stronger local industry and education options. Energy & Minerals Diplomacy: President Lee Jae Myung’s Latin America trip highlights AI chip supply deals and new critical-minerals cooperation, including lithium value-chain projects with Argentina and plans for stable crude oil imports. Tourism & Heritage: Itaipú Binacional launched the “Click ITAIPU” photography contest to spotlight the Itaipú Tourist Complex’s architecture, nature, and culture, with submissions open until Aug 26. Culture & Community: Paraguay’s carrulim tradition returns on Aug 1, while Kchiporros will open the WRC Rally del Paraguay 2026 in Encarnación on Aug 27.