Paraguay’s 4th Expo eCommerce, scheduled for the 21 May, 2026, will feature the “E-commerce Lab” as one of its main attractions. This initiative is specifically designed to offer practical, hands-on training to entrepreneurs and business owners who are interested in joining the digital ecosystem. The lab at Expo eCommerce 2026 aims to demystify the process of moving a business online and provide clear, actionable guidance.
During the event, the E-commerce Lab will cover a range of essential topics. According to the organisors, sessions will focus on the development of online sales platforms, effective strategies for entering the digital market, and the implementation of secure payment mechanisms. Importantly, these discussions will consider the security needs of both the merchants and the consumers, which is a crucial factor in building trust in online transactions.
The 4th Expo eCommerce is free to attend and runs from 09:00 to 18:00 at the Centro de Eventos Paseo La Galería, with some associated gatherings also scheduled nearby at the Sheraton hotel in Asunción.
Expo eCommerce 2026 event launch
The effort to strengthen the digitalisation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Paraguay comes in the sector that underpins 70% of the nation’s employment. The initiative was highlighted by Romina Da Re, the National Director of Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, during the launch of the fourth edition of the Expo eCommerce. Speaking to state media, Da Re emphasised the critical need to “close a persistent digital gap that limits the growth and competitiveness of national businesses”.
Despite their fundamental role in the Paraguayan economy, a significant number of these businesses have yet to embrace online commerce fully. This gap presents both a challenge and a substantial opportunity for economic development and modernisation. The upcoming expo is designed to serve as a catalyst for this transformation, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge required to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The digital gap in a key economic sector
According to data presented by the director, MSMEs currently account for 24% of all commercial activity within the country. However, a striking disparity exists in their digital adoption, as only 15% of these enterprises currently operate their own e-commerce platform. This statistic reveals a significant untapped potential for growth, particularly given the strong consumer appetite for online shopping in Paraguay. The challenge, therefore, lies in empowering these businesses to establish a permanent and effective digital presence.
The consumer landscape clearly indicates a readiness for this shift. Da Re pointed to compelling figures that underscore the potential for local businesses to succeed online. This data suggests that a large, engaged market is available for MSMEs that are willing and able to transition their operations to digital platforms.
“There is an immense opportunity, as eight out of ten Paraguayans make purchases online and more than 50% prefer local brands.” Da Re stated that a primary challenge is to effectively convert this existing commercial movement into robust digital shops that can operate continuously and serve a wider customer base.
A rapidly growing industry
The push for digitalisation comes as Paraguay’s e-commerce sector experiences substantial growth. The industry is already well-established, with an estimated market value of US$2 billion. Furthermore, it is expanding at an impressive annual rate of nearly 20%. Da Re maintained that this ongoing expansion process must be harnessed to benefit smaller enterprises, creating an environment where small-scale producers and local merchants can compete on an equal footing within an increasingly globalised and digital market.
In addition to the technical training offered at the E-commerce Lab, the fourth edition of the expo will include dedicated sessions on emerging trends. These discussions will explore subjects such as the application of artificial intelligence in marketing, strategies for promoting digital financial inclusion, and the development of effective technological leadership. These forward-looking topics are intended to equip businesses not only for today’s market, but also for the future of digital commerce.
A collaborative effort to strengthen the digital ecosystem
The event is being organised by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce, with backing from the Vice-Ministry of MSMEs, which is part of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Ultimately, the expo seeks to position itself as the foremost gathering for the nation’s digital and e-commerce ecosystem. By bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the event aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Paraguayan businesses and unlock the full potential of this vital economic sector.
Paraguay is also set to host a major logistics expo aimed at becoming a regional hub.
