MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Minister Swire opens the British embassy in Asuncion after a break of eight years

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire formally opened on Wednesday the British Embassy in Asuncion, Paraguay which will be headed by Ambassador Jeremy Hobbs. Accompanied by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga, he hailed the opening a symbol of the UK’s continued engagement in Latin America.

This is a new beginning for the bilateral relationship as the UK returns to Paraguay after a break of eight years as the embassy will be used to engage and encourage British businesses looking to export to Paraguay. With high growth, a strong business climate and positive messages from the Paraguayan government on inward investment opportunities for British companies are increasing.

“The Foreign Secretary has made it one of his goals to halt the UK’s retreat in Latin America and increase our presence across the continent. Today’s Embassy opening in Asuncion is the next step in that important process”, said minister Swire.

“It has taken fifteen months to get where we are today and I am delighted to be here to witness the start of a new stage in our relationship. This Embassy, and our new Ambassador Jeremy Hobbs, will help to increase awareness of the UK in Paraguay and will work closely with the new government of President Cartes to build and extend our links”.

Minister Swire said that over the last two years the UK have opened new missions in Recife and El Salvador as well as in Haiti in the Caribbean and “it is only right that today we have done the same in Paraguay. The new Embassy is already actively supporting British companies looking to invest or expand operations in Paraguay. I look forward to hearing more good things as the Embassy continues to expand.”

During his visit to Paraguay Mr Swire will meet with a number of government ministers and hear about the new government’s plans to promote investment, create jobs and reduce poverty.

Mr Swire will be accompanied by a small delegation of UK businesses which are either already operating or looking to invest in Paraguay and take advantage of President Cartes’ commitment to strengthen the business environment.