Paraguay is preparing for a major boost in investment and trade with the inaugural edition of the Paraguay Business Week. The event is planned to take place from September 8 to 10 2025, in Ciudad del Este, Alto Paraná, Paraguay’s major business city. The event aims to position the region as a thriving centre of business, innovation and foreign investment, reflecting the country’s rising appeal on the international economic stage.
Paraguay Business Week is driven by the Investment and Export Network (Rediex) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), alongside the Paraguay-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (CCPB) and the Chamber of Factory and Manufacturing Companies of Paraguay (CEMAP). Support also comes from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Itaipú Binacional and the regional government of Alto Paraná.
Three events, one strategic platform
Paraguay Business Week will bring together three major events under one umbrella: the Alto Paraná Invest Forum, the 16th edition of the Paraguay-Brazil Expo, and the Maquila Expo (Factory and Manufacturing Expo). This integrated approach is designed to foster synergy across sectors. This business week offers a unified platform for leaders, investors and decision-makers.
The main goal is to attract greater foreign direct investment, strengthen export markets, and highlight the country’s business potential, particularly in areas of technology and innovation. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Javier Giménez, stated that Paraguay is well-positioned to become a gateway to Mercosur, a regional bloc comprising over 400 million people, especially in today’s shifting global landscape.
Ambitious business targets
Organisers have set a goal of generating US$ 650 million in business intentions throughout the week. The Paraguay-Brazil Expo, held this year under the theme “Industry, engine of progress” aims to reach US$ 240 million in investment intentions. The goal is to surpass the record of US$ 213 million set in 2024.
To support this, matchmaking mechanisms will be put in place to connect investors with concrete projects. Around US$ 150 million in ventures will be presented in coordination with the European Union.
Opening the door for other regions
Meanwhile, the Maquila Expo marks the 25th anniversary of CEMAP. This event will highlight the maquila sector’s strategic role in Paraguay’s industrialisation. Alto Paraná is home to 47 percent of the country’s maquiladora companies, with 91% of them tied to Brazilian capital. This reinforces Brazil’s position as a vital trade partner.
Importantly, hosting this event in Ciudad del Este signals a shift towards decentralisation. It brings high-level business opportunities beyond the capital, Asunción. The Paraguay Business Week opens the door for regions like Concepción, Itapúa and Pilar to also showcase their potential. The broader goal is not only to attract investors, but also to generate employment and improve livelihoods across the country.
In essence, Paraguay Business Week represents a key moment in the country’s economic trajectory. The goal is to transform Ciudad del Este into a dynamic hub for international trade and investment. It will contribute to a more inclusive model of national development.
