Speaking at the Innovar 2024 fair, held in Colonia Yguazú, Rodrigo Maluff, Deputy Minister of the Investment and Export Network (Rediex), said the Paraguay has the potential to become a global leader in the forestry sector, and highlighted the growing interest of investors.
Deputy Minister Maluff pointed out that Paraguay has vast land traditionally designated for agriculture, and said that Paraguay now seeks to expand its forestry sector, capitalising on the ability to transform 2.2 million hectares of agricultural land into forested areas.
“With this vision in mind, the country aspires to follow the example of nations like Sweden, establishing itself as a prominent player in the production and exportation of timber products,” he said.
A US$ 3 billion joint venture between Swedish and Paraguayan investors to build the country’s first pulp plant is already underway.
He mentioned that the goal of reaching 120,000 hectares cultivated annually is closer than ever, with a record of 60,000 hectares planted in 2023 and a projection of an additional 20,000 hectares for the current year, 2024.
Regarding investments in the forestry sector, Maluff noted a growing interest from Argentine investors, who see the Paraguayan Chaco as an area with great potential for expanding its operations. He mentioned that despite challenges to water and electricity availability, aqueducts and photovoltaic solar energy generation projects are underway to support sustainable development in the region.
He affirmed that the Investment and Export Network (Rediex) emphasizes the importance of sustainable production programs, which not only open new opportunities in the global market but also contribute to improving the prices of Paraguayan products abroad.
