International investors, entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at the Holiday Inn Express in Asunción for The Asunción Times’ Investing in Paraguay Forum #3 on 7 September, 2026. The English-language event brought together three expert panellists to examine opportunities, risks and changes across Paraguay’s stock market, real estate and tourism sectors.
The discussion centred on the three investment sectors that qualify for immediate permanent residency through the new Paraguay Investor Pass. International investors can qualify through investments of US$150,000 in qualifying tourism projects or US$200,000 in qualifying real estate or financial instruments. However, the evening went far beyond residency, examining what investors should understand before putting capital into Paraguay.
The panel featured Manuel García, Director of IMAP Paraguay and an M&A specialist. Alongside were economist and investment promotion consultant Federico Sosa and real estate investor and risk management specialist Matt Johnson. Their different backgrounds allowed the discussion to move between financial markets, government investment strategies and the realities of purchasing property.
Paraguay’s investment landscape
A recurring theme throughout the evening was Paraguay’s growing international investment profile not being a recent development. Instead, the country’s current position reflects decades of efforts to open its economy and attract foreign capital.
“Paraguay’s latest boom of investment in foreign strategy comes from a long-term strategy of inserting Paraguay into the world,” Sosa explained. He traced those efforts back to the early 1990s and emphasised that several governments have contributed to the process. We could say this is a team effort. This is the result of several administrations promoting the country, promoting its investment opportunities.”
García, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of understanding Paraguay’s particular business environment. He has worked in mergers and acquisitions for almost 15 years, including transactions in Paraguay, Brazil, Peru and Chile.
“We have learned to help investors from out of Paraguay get a full understanding of how to work around the culture here and how to actually make the investment in companies here successful for an investor,” García said.
The financial market remains relatively conservative, according to the discussion, with established options concentrated around bank products, certificates of deposit and fixed-income instruments. Nevertheless, the country’s developing capital market could create further possibilities as it continues to mature.
Real Estate offers opportunities, but knowledge is essential
Johnson focused on a sector that has become particularly visible in Asunción: Real estate. Having invested in Paraguay and advised foreign companies and individuals since 2014, Johnson has extensive experience in the local market. He argued that some of the strongest opportunities remain connected to land and natural resources.
“I think the big draw right now is mainly agricultural, which is no surprise because it is the biggest segment of the market,” Johnson said. He suggested that international investors can sometimes identify value because parts of the Paraguayan market remain disconnected from international pricing.
“There are a lot of key assets and natural resources that are unlinked from the international market yet,” he said. “And I would say things are still early here.”
According to Johnson, limited knowledge about how some assets should be valued creates both opportunities and risks. “There is a very large lack of knowledge within the market on how to price things,” he explained.
He was also cautious about equating Asunción’s visible construction boom with the strongest investment fundamentals. Referring to the cranes and construction projects across the capital, Johnson described some of that activity as “more noise than signal”. Still, Paraguay’s property market has changed considerably during his years in the country. Johnson noted that there are now “a lot more people in the market” on both the buying and selling sides.
Investing In Paraguay Forum #3: New possibilities
Tourism emerged as another sector with significant room for expansion. Sosa identified the Paraguayan cities of Encarnación, Concepción and Alto Paraná among areas where growing economic activity could drive greater demand for accommodation and entertainment. Paraguay is also seeking to strengthen its international identity as a sustainable destination.
“Paraguay, as a country brand, wants to position itself as a green tourism destination, a green sustainable destination,” Sosa said. “There is always, I would call them, tourism arbitrage opportunities, where you can be the first mover in an innovative tourism project.”
The conversation also expanded beyond the Investor Pass sectors into manufacturing and near-shoring. Opportunities were identified in textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and machinery, particularly for foreign companies seeking a Paraguayan base to serve Mercosur and international markets.
Together, the three perspectives highlighted a country undergoing significant change but still requiring careful research from prospective investors. The Investing In Paraguay Forum #3 concluded with audience questions before attendees continued discussions with panellists and fellow investors during the networking session.
