Paraguayan President Santiago Peña highlighted his country's economic, social, and cultural growth, which -he claimed- was the fastest in the region over the past 35 years. He made those remarks Thursday during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción.
In Paraguay, exports under the Maquila regime totaled US$ 388 million as of April 2025, a 13% yoy increase driven mainly by auto parts, textiles, aluminum products, food, and plastics, currently generating 32,712 direct jobs, a 26% growth from the previous year.
Paraguay trade experts warned this weekend, citing official data from the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) that 37.6% of the country's imports in the first quarter of 2025 stemmed from China, where very little is placed: 0.3% of sales abroad, as a result of Asunción's stance towards Taiwan, which prevents any direct trade with Beijing.
Former Paraguayan President and Yacyretá Binational Entity (EBY) Director Nicanor Duarte Frutos said Argentine President Javier Milei's decree adjusting the energy tariff from US$ 17 to US$ 28 per megawatt-hour (MWh) was the right thing to do and insisted that the measure did not violate any treaty. It rather establishes an effective charge for energy consumption to be paid by his country's National Electricity Administration (ANDE) and the Wholesale Electricity Market Administration Company (CAMMESA).
Argentine President Javier Milei signed Decree No. 303/2025, authorizing a new Operating Agreement for the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Power Plant, a binational entity co-owned by Argentina and Paraguay. The agreement sets a tariff increase from US$17 to US$28 per megawatt-hour (MWh) to optimize supply, ensure financial stability, and support technological modernization
During his appearance at the Milken Institute Global Forum in Los Angeles, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña highlighted his country's stability, openness, and commitment to inclusive development. The major global economic event acknowledged Paraguay’s dedication to democracy, peace, and combating terrorism.
Despite many experts believing otherwise, Paraguay's Central Bank (BCP) has raised its GDP growth projection for 2025 from 3.8% to 4% amid geopolitical tensions and potential trade wars. BCP President Carlos Carvallo defended the adjustment, citing strong economic performance and advanced data showing better-than-expected dynamics in several sectors, except agriculture, which was impacted by drought-affected soybean production.
Foreign Ministers of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur)—namely Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—gathered Friday in Buenos Aires at the San Martín Palace to advance regional integration amid global trade changes. They focused on eliminating intra-zone trade barriers, strengthening regional value chains, harmonizing regulations, and enhancing physical and digital integration.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, who prioritized other international engagements over Pope Francis' funeral, will be attending the enthronement of the Argentine pontiff's successor, Senator Derlis Maidana confirmed Wednesday. Peña, currently on a US tour until May 5, 2025, took heavy flak for his absence at the memorial of the first-ever South American head of the Catholic Church.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña addressed the UN General Assembly, criticizing the world's ineffectiveness in maintaining peace amid conflicts and calling for reform to global institutions to better support developing nations.