AGP Executive Report

Paraguay-Taiwan ties: A Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum in Asunción spotlighted AI cooperation, building on earlier agreements and student exchanges. Trade & integration: India and MERCOSUR (including Paraguay) have launched talks to expand their preferential trade deal, while also signing a protocol to accept electronic certificates of origin for more paperless customs. Local economy & jobs: Paraguay’s Development Finance Agency (AFD) approved a record US$108.8m for industrial lending in 2026, boosting operations, beneficiaries, and job creation across all departments. Municipal elections: Paraguay is preparing for the Oct. 4, 2026 municipal vote with 5.04m registered electors, 14,711 polling stations, and nearly 18,000 electronic voting machines. Environment & cities: The “Green Asunción” project lays out greener transport, rainwater management, and urban resilience plans with MADES and UNDP support. Sports & youth: A Blackfoot teen is fundraising to represent Team USA in scootering at the World Skate Games in Asunción.

Diplomacy: India and Paraguay marked 65 years of diplomatic relations, pledging to deepen cooperation in strategic areas and expand trade, with both sides pointing to progress in agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals and IT. Digital Economy: Paraguay’s digital payments keep surging: Bancard reports 82% of service transactions now happen digitally, up from 66% in 2021, driven by mobile use and QR payments. Environment & Trade: A report says UK retailers are selling charcoal linked to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco, raising pressure over how everyday imports connect to land clearing. Culture & Food: Asunción-based Guaraní cooking creator Emi Báez is bringing traditional recipes to millions online, turning heritage into a mainstream platform. Sports: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi hit 99 goals across all competitions as the club drew 2-2 with Nashville, while Paraguay’s Matías Galarza made his appearance for Miami. World Affairs: Nauru opened its Jerusalem embassy, with Israel praising the move—another sign of shifting diplomatic alignments.

Diplomatic Milestone: India and Paraguay marked 65 years of diplomatic relations, pledging deeper cooperation and more trade ties. Digital Economy: Paraguay’s digital payments now make up 82% of service transactions, with QR and mobile commerce driving rapid growth in accounts and connected businesses. Currency Watch: The Paraguayan guaraní is under pressure, with the peso story pointing to broader regional inflation and rate-hike expectations as the dollar strengthens. Banking & Culture: The Central Bank of Paraguay will unveil redesigned guaraní banknotes on Oct. 5, shifting artwork toward Guaraní culture and Paraguay’s ecological regions. Football: Gustavo Alfaro has been confirmed as Paraguay’s national team coach through the 2030 World Cup. Sports Spotlight: Lionel Messi’s 99th Inter Miami goal came in a 2-2 draw with Nashville. Environment & Trade: A report alleges UK retailers sell charcoal linked to Paraguay’s Gran Chaco deforestation. Tech & Connectivity: India endorsed a 6G leadership and security call, joining a 24-nation push for secure next-gen networks.

Paraguay Football: Gustavo Alfaro has extended his contract as Paraguay’s national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, keeping the Albirroja’s World Cup-building momentum under the Argentine manager. Money & Culture: The Central Bank of Paraguay will unveil a full redesign of guaraní banknotes on Oct. 5, keeping all six denominations but shifting the artwork toward Guaraní culture and Paraguay’s ecological regions. Environment & Wildlife: A jaguar and cub were spotted near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa, reinforcing calls to protect biological corridors where forests and farms meet. Sports Spotlight: In MLS, Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw with Nashville, reaching 99 goals across all competitions for the club. Tech & Climate Cooperation: Taiwan and Paraguay are launching a pilot carbon credit project in Paraguay’s Chaco, aiming to test how credits can be verified and transferred. Social Media Integrity: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes as the system expands across Latin America, including Paraguay.

World Cup Politics: Morocco’s football chief Fouzi Lekjaa says the 2030 final will be in Casablanca’s Benslimane, but Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch hit back, warning FIFA hasn’t decided and urging him to stop election-style promises. Paraguay Football: Coach Gustavo Alfaro has extended his Paraguay contract through the 2030 World Cup, keeping the Albirroja on the same path for Copa América and beyond. Currency & Culture: Paraguay’s Central Bank will unveil redesigned guaraní banknotes on Oct. 5, keeping all denominations but shifting imagery toward Guaraní culture and the country’s six ecological regions. Nature & Tourism: Paraguay will host the South American Bird Fair for the first time (Sept. 17-20) in Asunción, spotlighting its 730+ bird species. Sports Delegation: Team Paraguay’s 341-athlete squad was officially flagged for the 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe. Tech & Misinformation: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes as the tool expands across Latin America, including Paraguay. Wildlife Alert: A jaguar with a cub was spotted near Itapúa’s Tebicuary River, underscoring the need to protect biological corridors. Climate Cooperation: Taiwan and Paraguay are launching a pilot carbon credit project in Paraguay’s Chaco.

WRC Rally Chile: Oliver Solberg urged crews to drive “clever” as tyre-punishing Saturday stages loom, extending his lead to 10.1s over Elfyn Evans after a clean, drying Friday. Sports—Tyres: FIA boosted Rally1 Hankook allocations from 28 to 36 to cut the risk of punctures and delaminations seen at Rally Paraguay, with drivers expecting hard choices on abrasive gravel. Wildlife in Paraguay: A jaguar with its cub was spotted near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa, highlighting the need to protect biological corridors where forests and farms meet. Environment & carbon: Taiwan and Paraguay are moving ahead on a pilot carbon credit project in Paraguay’s Chaco, aiming to test practical verification and transfer methods. Public services—strikes: Paraguay’s doctors and teachers have announced September walkouts, escalating pressure as Congress debates the 2027 budget. Tech & information: Meta is testing Community Notes in Paraguay and other Latin American countries, as fact-check groups warn it could replace independent verification.

Electric Vehicle Push: Paraguay’s clean-power advantage is fueling a push to electrify transport, aiming to cut fuel imports and attract investment. Public Health Pressure: Doctors and teachers in Paraguay have announced September strikes, escalating demands as Congress debates the 2027 budget. Procurement Access: A new effort uses AI to help micro, small and medium firms find tenders they can realistically win, since fewer than 9% of public contracting money reaches MSMEs. Community Notes in Paraguay: Meta is testing Community Notes across Paraguay and other Latin American countries, with critics warning it could replace independent fact-checking. Environment & Trade Scrutiny: UK retailers are linked to charcoal tied to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco, raising fresh pressure on Paraguay’s EU trade ambitions. Renaci Foundation: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free childhood cancer diagnosis and comprehensive treatment nationwide while backing research and training. World Cup 2030 Noise: Morocco’s federation chief claims the final will be in Casablanca’s Hassan II Stadium, but FIFA says the decision is still pending.

Doctors and Teachers Strike: Public doctors and teachers in Paraguay have announced September walkouts, escalating pressure on the government as Congress debates the 2027 budget. Procurement Access for MSMEs: Paraguay’s procurement agency is using AI to better match tenders to micro, small and medium enterprises, since fewer than 9% of public contracting goes to MSMEs. Environment & Carbon Cooperation: Taiwan and Paraguay are deepening climate and environmental governance ties after a carbon credit cooperation memorandum, including training for young interns in Paraguay. Community Notes Expansion: Meta is testing Community Notes across multiple Latin American countries, including Paraguay, as fact-checkers warn it could replace independent verification. Charcoal Scrutiny Linked to Paraguay: A Reuters investigation says UK retailers sold charcoal tied to deforestation in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco, raising new trade and environmental concerns for Paraguay’s EU ambitions. Sports—WRC Rally Chile: WRC leader Elfyn Evans says extra tyres for Rally Chile are crucial to avoid failures seen in Rally Paraguay. Youth Soccer: River Plate, Corinthians and Cerro Porteño are among academies set for the Dreams Future Cup 2026 in San Antonio.

Paraguay Economy: Paraguay’s manufacturing is up 26% year-on-year, with about 350,000 jobs in the sector, as the government pushes for bigger investment projects worth US$500 million to US$1 billion—though officials say investors still need more predictability, infrastructure, and reliable energy. Environment & Trade: A new Global Witness investigation links UK charcoal brand Big K to Paraguayan deforestation in the Gran Chaco, raising fresh pressure on whether the UK’s deforestation rules are being enforced. Health Labor: Paraguay’s public health system is bracing after doctors filed resignations amid wage and labor demands, with MSPBS warning of risks to staffing in critical specialties. Indigenous Culture: The Ayoreo documentary “Apenas El Sol” highlights displacement in Paraguay’s Chaco through elder Mateo Sobode Chiqueno’s recorded testimonies, now available on Amazon Prime Video. Tech & Media: Meta has started testing Community Notes in Spanish-speaking Latin America, including Paraguay, as it moves away from professional fact-checking—drawing criticism from the International Fact-Checking Network.

Doctors’ Labor Fight: Paraguay’s public health system is bracing for a staffing crunch after the Ministry of Public Health confirmed it received formal resignations from doctors amid wage and working-condition demands, with officials warning shortages could hit key specialties. September Strikes: Doctors and teachers have now set separate September walkouts tied to pay and budget pressure in the 2027 plan, escalating a dispute that unions say the government is trying to manage without real resolution. Meta’s Fact-Checking Shakeup: Meta has started testing Community Notes across 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Paraguay, as it moves away from professional fact-checking—drawing concern from the International Fact-Checking Network. Forestry Spotlight in Asunción: Paraguay’s lumber sector is set to showcase Expo Madera 2026 starting Sept. 10, aiming to boost investment and public understanding of forestry’s jobs and growth potential. Education & Culture: Asunción hosts a “Study in Europe 2026” fair for Paraguayan students, while local talent Luján Riquelme joins Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría tour.

Health Labor Dispute: Paraguay’s public health system is bracing for a staffing crunch after the MSPBS confirmed it received formal resignations from doctors amid union demands for higher wages and better working conditions, including pay differentiation by training and specialization; officials say negotiations are still open but warn of shortages in critical specialties. Meta & Misinformation: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Paraguay, as it moves to replace its professional fact-checking model with crowdsourced context—prompting sharp concern from the International Fact-Checking Network. Education Pressure: Paraguay is named among the lowest performers in regional PISA comparisons, with the latest results highlighting educational setbacks across key skills. Local Culture & Events: Asunción is set for “Study in Europe 2026” and Paraguay’s forestry sector will spotlight Expo Madera 2026, while a Paraguayan costume designer joins Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría tour. Sports Spotlight: COP named golfer Sofia Garcia and speed skater Julio Mirena as Paraguay’s flag bearers for the 13th South American Games in Santa Fe.

Paraguay Flag Bearers: The Paraguayan Olympic Committee named golfer Sofia Garcia and speed skater Julio Mirena as Team Paraguay’s flag bearers for the 13th South American Games in Santa Fe, Argentina (Sept. 12–26), with Paraguay aiming for at least 36 medals. Cross-Border Transport: New operating hours for the Paraguayan-Brazilian Integration Bridge will start Monday, Sept. 14, reshaping when heavy lorries and private vehicles can cross between Presidente Franco and Foz do Iguaçu. AI in Agriculture: Agro IA, with aeronautics students from UNA, is developing autonomous aerial spraying using AI, targeting large-scale, automated crop coverage. Environment & Health: A new study flags Paraguay among “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, warning of major health impacts as waste systems buckle. Culture & Youth: Asunción’s Municipal Chamber Orchestra will hold a free youth-focused concert on Sept. 9 at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre. Sports Spotlight: Paraguay’s presence also shows up in regional football coverage, including mentions tied to the national team’s World Cup run.

Currency Watch: Paraguay’s regionally linked peso story is in focus as the dollar surge pushed the Philippine peso to a fresh record low, with oil prices and risk-off demand cited as key drivers. Cross-Border Trade & Transport: The Joint Paraguayan-Brazilian Commission set new operating hours for the Integration Bridge over the Paraná River, expanding overnight crossings for empty heavy lorries and adding a daytime schedule for light vehicles for residents of border communities. Tech & Agriculture: Paraguay is moving toward autonomous aerial spraying using AI, aiming to build unmanned ultralight aircraft with automated, high-capacity crop coverage. Culture in Asunción: The Asunción Municipal Chamber Orchestra will hold a free youth-focused concert on Sept. 9 at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre, featuring emerging soloists and classical plus national works. Sports & Talent: Paraguay’s football pipeline stays in the spotlight as young players and international signings continue to shape club plans. Environment & Health: A new regional study flags “plastic pollution hotspots,” naming Paraguay among countries where waste systems are buckling and health risks are rising.

Paraguay Economy & Energy: Paraguay is seeking more predictability as it draws resources from the Itaipu Binational Hydroelectric Station, aiming to steady construction plans and social investments. Foreign Investment Watch: A new Central Bank of Paraguay study finds a broader wave of foreign capital since 2008, led by real estate, trade, transport and telecoms, with net flows and more investing countries than a decade ago. Tech & AI in Paraguay: The third Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum will be held Sept. 11-12 in Asunción, focusing on AI, innovation and sectors like smart agriculture, digital health and cybersecurity. International Ties: Paraguay’s ambassador on beef, water and Israeli backpackers highlights Paraguay’s push for lasting ties with Israel. Culture & Community: Asunción’s Symphony Orchestra will host a free neighborhood concert in Santísima Trinidad on Sept. 8, with family-friendly programming and Paraguayan works. Sports Spotlight: Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza is linked with Inter Miami as the club continues its roster moves.

Foreign Investment Surge: Paraguay is drawing more FDI across real estate, trade, transport and telecoms, with a new Central Bank–FLAR study tracking rising investor diversity from 39 countries (2008) to 68 (2024). Tech & AI Push: The third Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum is set for Sept. 11–12 in Asunción, with free registration and panels on AI for energy, health, agriculture, cybersecurity and digital government. Rally del Paraguay Spotlight: GAZOO Racing won big at Rally del Paraguay, with Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen taking a third straight WRC win. Culture in Asunción: The Asunción City Symphony Orchestra will bring a free “Sinfonía Divertida” concert to Santísima Trinidad on Sept. 8, including an interactive “Toy Symphony” segment for kids. Sports on the Radar: Inter Miami’s draw included a heated post-match moment involving Paraguayan defender Miguel Almirón. Diplomacy Watch: Nauru opened its Jerusalem embassy, joining a growing list of countries shifting missions to the Israeli capital.

World Skate Games in Paraguay: A 16-year-old scooter rider from eastern Idaho, Jacob Roll, has qualified to compete in the World Skate Games in Paraguay (Oct. 5–10), aiming to earn a junior title and build toward adult competition and sponsorships. Paraguayan sports abroad: Inter Miami’s Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza is in the spotlight after joining the club, while the team’s latest match ended 2-2 with Atlanta, featuring Paraguayan forward Miguel Almirón scoring. Indigenous rights in Paraguay: Indigenous women in Paraguay are calling for official recognition of traditional midwives, saying ancestral knowledge is vital where public health services are scarce and alleging discrimination and obstetric violence in hospitals. Culture and film: Paraguay will host “La Semana del Super8” (Sept. 15–24), a free online lecture series on analogue filmmaking, with priority for Paraguayan applicants. Church leadership: Bishop Gabriel Narciso Escobar Ayala was appointed auxiliary bishop of Asunción, with ministry ties to the Paraguayan Chaco. Local economy watch: Paraguay’s Senate advanced a bill establishing National Evangelical Church Day.