AGP Executive Report

Border Technology: Brazil has begun testing palm-vein scans for pedestrians at the Friendship Bridge crossing with Paraguay. The pilot tracks repeat crossings without linking scans to travelers’ identities, though data-sharing talks with police are underway. Currency: Paraguay’s central bank unveiled redesigned guaraní notes across all six denominations. They are due to enter circulation gradually from early 2027; current notes remain valid and no zeros will be removed. Air Force: Paraguay has become South America’s first military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier, funded by Itaipu Binacional for medical evacuations, disaster relief and other missions. Economic Outlook: The World Bank expects regional growth of 2.2% in 2026 and names Paraguay among countries outperforming that pace. Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step below investment grade. Asunción Politics: An opposition candidate won the capital’s mayoral race, in a closely watched signal ahead of the 2028 national vote. Infrastructure: Only about 16% of Paraguay’s 78,795-kilometre road network is paved or improved, according to updated government figures.

Defense: Paraguay’s Air Force has become South America’s first military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier. Funded by Itaipu Binacional, the aircraft will support medical evacuations, disaster relief and other missions. Economy: The World Bank projects Latin America and the Caribbean will grow 2.2% in 2026 and names Paraguay among the countries outperforming the regional average. Fitch affirmed Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step below investment grade. Currency: The Central Bank unveiled redesigned guaraní notes for all six denominations; they are expected to enter circulation gradually from early 2027, while current notes remain valid. Infrastructure: Just 16% of Paraguay’s 78,795-kilometre road network is paved or improved, underscoring the challenge of connecting rural communities. Culture and Tourism: Asunción’s free World Harp Festival returns October 9–11. Paraguay will also host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, with about 80 teams expected. Politics: An opposition candidate’s win in Asunción’s mayoral race offers an early gauge of the political mood ahead of the 2028 elections.

Cybercrime Watch: NordVPN says Roblox phishing scams are booming, with 196 fake login addresses spotted in one week in July 2026—some even asking for 2FA codes, backup codes, and PINs. Economy & Investment: The World Bank projects Latin America and the Caribbean growth at 2.2% in 2026, while highlighting Paraguay as a standout performer; Fitch also kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, one step from investment grade. Paraguay Infrastructure: Paraguay’s road network totals 78,795 km, but only about 16% is paved or improved—most remains unpaved, limiting access to services. Currency Update: Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations), with a gradual rollout planned for early 2027; old notes stay valid. Security Cooperation: The U.S., Paraguay, and nine other countries jointly condemned Iranian terrorist activity in the Western Hemisphere, citing malign operations and pledging tighter coordination. Culture & Community: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo, bringing free public events, including Oktoberfest-style activities.

Credit Watch: Fitch kept Paraguay at BB+ with a positive outlook, citing strong growth, lower public debt and prudent fiscal management, while flagging seven steps needed to reach investment grade. Roads & Connectivity: On National Road Day, Paraguay’s network totals 78,795 km, but only 12,912 km are paved or improved—about 16%—leaving 84% unpaved and raising daily access challenges. Currency Update: The Banco Central del Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations), with new security features and themes tied to national history and biodiversity; they’ll roll out gradually in Q1 2027. Storm Aftermath: After a severe hail-and-wind storm hit Asunción and nearby areas, ANDE reported power restored across over 90% of the metro, with a few feeders still down. Local Politics: In Asunción’s mayoral race, opposition candidate Soledad Núñez narrowly beat the Colorado Party’s Camilo Pérez, a key midterm signal ahead of 2028. Culture: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo through Oct. 14, with free public events including food and Oktoberfest. Tech Spotlight: HIVE Digital Technologies ran AI pre-training using GPUs in Asunción while Columbia researchers worked remotely from New York via fiber links.

Storm Recovery in Asunción: ANDE says power has been restored to over 90% of the metropolitan area after a violent weekend storm, with 57 of 61 23,000-volt lines normalized, while a few feeders in Asunción and nearby cities like Capiatá, Luque and Limpio remain down. Municipal Politics Watch: In Asunción’s mayoral race, opposition candidate Soledad Núñez (Alianza Juntos Por Asunción) narrowly beat Colorado’s Camilo Pérez, a key midterm signal ahead of the 2028 general election. University District Push: Universidad Central del Paraguay is backing a US$200M plan to create a University District in Asunción’s historic center, aiming to bring about 5,000 foreign students and boost residents in the area. Culture & Heritage: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre despite storm disruption, while Paraguay also prepares for the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering in San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora. Tech for Research: HIVE Digital Technologies ran GPU-based AI pre-training from its Asunción cluster for Columbia University researchers in New York over ~5,000 miles of fiber.

Severe Weather: A massive hailstorm hit Asunción and nearby areas, with hailstones “the size of tennis balls” damaging cars and homes, suspending some matches, and leaving thousands without power; ANDE says electricity service was largely restored, with 57 of 61 23,000-volt lines normalized by Sunday morning, though some feeders in Asunción and Central Department towns were still down. Local Politics: In Asunción’s mayoral race, opposition candidate Soledad Núñez (Alianza Juntos Por Asunción) narrowly beat Colorado’s Camilo Pérez, a key midterm signal ahead of 2028; Ciudad del Este also saw an opposition win. Education & Investment: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a US$200M “University District” plan for Asunción’s historic center, aiming to attract about 5,000 foreign students over five years. Culture & Community: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre despite storm disruption, while Paraguay also prepares for the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) with free public performances. Heritage: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation completed conservation of fragile Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary.

Municipal Politics: Paraguay’s opposition coalition Alianza Juntos Por Asunción won Asunción’s mayor race, with Soledad Núñez taking 47.78% versus Colorado candidate Camilo Pérez’s 45.98%, a key midterm signal ahead of 2028. Tri-Border Local Power: In Ciudad del Este, Yo Creo’s Dani Mujica won decisively with 72.83% as Colorado fell to 23.8%. Trade & Environment: A new EU–Mercosur interim trade deal, provisionally applied since May 2026, is being framed as a potential template for future agreements—while debates continue over whether trade rules can curb deforestation. Culture Calendar: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, with artists from 13 countries and free public performances. Heritage & Faith: Saint Michael’s Sword will travel from Italy to Paraguay for the first time, arriving Oct 8 and culminating in a major Asunción cathedral celebration on Oct 9. Economy Watch: Paraguay ended the first half of 2026 with 5.7% GDP growth, led by agriculture, though momentum slowed in the second quarter.

Cultural Calendar: Paraguay is set to host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering from 6–11 October 2026, with free public performances in San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora and artists from 13 countries. Catholic Heritage: Saint Michael’s Sword will make its first-ever visit to Paraguay in October 2026, arriving 8 October and culminating in a main Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral on 9 October, with stops including Caacupé and Villarrica. Food & Business: Empanada Day (4 October) spotlights Paraguayan tradition and heritage status for regional recipes, while also highlighting how the snack has become a major industry. Tech & Daily Life: A Paraguay-focused explainer asks what happens if the country loses internet for 24 hours, pointing to how deeply online services now shape everyday life. Economy Watch: Paraguay ends Q3 momentum into Q4 with GDP up 5.7% in the first half of 2026, though growth slowed in the second quarter. Arts & Archives: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation has conserved rare audiovisual records of the Chaco War, including a 1932 documentary, to protect national historical memory. Fashion: Asunción Fashion Week returns 7–11 October with Resort 2026/27 collections built around Paraguayan identity.

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.