AGP Executive Report

Health Watch: Paraguay’s DGVS is investigating 4 confirmed foodborne botulism cases in Asunción, linked to food from a commercial outlet in a shopping centre; officials stress it’s rare, life-threatening, and not spread person-to-person. Energy & Finance: DNV says it advised lenders on the financial close of ATOME’s USD 650M Villeta green hydrogen-based fertilizer project, a non-recourse, asset-backed deal expected to produce about 260,000 tonnes/year of calcium ammonium nitrate using 100+ MW of electrolysis powered by Paraguay’s renewables. Trade & Markets: Chinese meat importers have started buying Brazil’s “Beef on Track” deforestation-free certified beef, a move that could reshape regional supply chains given China is Brazil’s top beef buyer. Sports & Economy (Paraguay angle): The USMNT’s Group D opener is set for June 12 at SoFi Stadium vs Paraguay, with Paraguay coached by Gustavo Alfaro and a squad that includes goalkeepers Orlando Gill, Roberto Fernández and Gastón Olveira. Security & Justice: An Estonian pilot sought over a Paraguay-linked $3.6M hashish and marijuana case denied involvement, saying he was unaware of the cargo and questioned airport procedures.

World Cup Ticket Access for Paraguay Fans: Bank of America and Vet Tix are donating 4,547 World Cup tickets worth $2.25M for U.S. military, first responders, and families, with 250 tickets earmarked for U.S. matches—USMNT’s opener vs Paraguay is set for June 12 at SoFi in Los Angeles. Paraguay in the Spotlight at Kickoff: The U.S. roster is out and Paraguay is confirmed in Group D, with the Paraguay match scheduled for June 12—an early test that will also shape local travel and hospitality demand around the host cities. Labor Risk at SoFi: Unite Here Local 11 is threatening a strike at SoFi Stadium over worker contract and privacy-related demands tied to FIFA background checks, raising the odds of disruptions for the June 12 U.S.-Paraguay game. Paraguay Digital Animal Welfare: Paraguay’s animal welfare directorate launched a “Lost and Found Pets” digital section on its website to speed reunions via a public database. Trade & Sustainability Watch: Chinese meat traders began buying Brazil’s “Beef on Track” deforestation-free certified beef, a reminder of how sustainability rules are reshaping regional agri-trade flows.

Paraguay Squad for World Cup 2026: Paraguay has named its 26-player roster for Group C, coached by Gustavo Alfaro, with matches set vs the USA (June 13), Turkey (June 20) and Australia (June 26). Animal Welfare Tech: Paraguay’s Animal Defence, Health and Welfare Directorate launched a new “Lost and Found Pets” digital section on its website to help reunite missing animals with families via a public database. Aviation & Drugs Case: A young pilot tied to the MrBeast jet win, Jabari Brown (Captain Treezy), was briefly detained in Paraguay after SENAD seized a separate private jet carrying about 261.6 kg of high-THC marijuana; authorities later released him after finding no link to the drugs. Renewables Investment Push: Paraguay opened its renewable energy market to private investment, signaling a new push to attract capital into the sector. Tourism & Sports Events: Paraguay also featured in regional World Cup hype, including community watch-party programming in host cities abroad, while Encarnación staged L’Étape by Tour de France’s debut, blending sport and tourism in Itapúa.

World Cup squad & schedule: Paraguay has named its 26-man squad for World Cup 2026 under coach Gustavo Alfaro, with Group C matches set vs. the USA (June 13, 03:00), Turkey (June 20, 05:00) and Australia (June 26, 04:00). Drug probe update: A pilot linked to a viral MrBeast jet win was briefly detained in Paraguay after authorities seized about 261.6 kg of high-THC marijuana from a different private aircraft; prosecutors later cleared him and released him, while other suspects faced charges. Tourism & aviation context: Paraguay’s regional travel network is in focus as Asunción appears among destinations in nearby airport schedules, underscoring how cross-border connectivity matters for business travel and event spending around the World Cup. Sports-business backdrop: The broader World Cup build-up continues to drive attention to ticketing, fan spending and league representation, with MLS participation highlighted as a growing commercial pipeline into major tournaments.

Paraguay Football & Economy: Paraguay’s World Cup berth is being credited to coach Gustavo Alfaro’s “psychology-first” approach, including tailored sessions and motivational tools drawn from authors like Borges, as the team aims to recapture the grit that carried them to the 2010 quarterfinals. World Cup Business Buzz: With the tournament starting June 11, Paraguay’s opener vs the U.S. is already driving big fan activity and watch-party planning across host cities, while broader debate continues over FIFA ticket pricing and access. Paraguay Legal/Trade Risk: An American pilot linked to a MrBeast jet win was briefly detained in Paraguay after authorities seized 577 pounds of high-THC marijuana worth about $3.6M; prosecutors later said he had no involvement. Regional Tourism Strategy: Mercosur tourism ministers met in Asunción to push a coordinated “Visit South America” push, betting on multi-country itineraries and stronger digital and fair promotion. Energy Investment Angle: Paraguay is also moving to open renewable energy to private investors, a backdrop for how the country may attract more event-linked spending.

Paraguay World Cup Build-Up: Paraguay named its 26-player squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 under Gustavo Alfaro, with a tactical focus on a disciplined defensive block and fast counterattacks. Sports Tourism & Local Business: In Santa Cruz County, officials and businesses are gearing up for World Cup visitors with watch events and local spending opportunities as the tournament kicks off June 11. Paraguay in the Spotlight Abroad: A Paraguayan tennis player, Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, was fined about $65,000 by French Open organizers for sexist remarks about a female umpire—an international reputational hit that also affects his prize earnings. Aviation & Security: Paraguayan authorities are investigating a suspected drug-trafficking operation after seizing 577 pounds of hashish worth about $3.6M from a private jet that arrived from Panama; the pilot left before the drugs were found. Trade & Regional Mobility: Paraguay is among Mercosur members moving toward easier travel under a new framework recognizing Brazil’s national identity card as a valid travel document.

Drug Enforcement & Aviation: Paraguay is investigating a suspected international drug operation after authorities found 577 pounds of hashish (about $3.6M) in luggage tied to a private Bombardier Challenger 604 that arrived from Panama; the pilot left before the discovery, and airport police alerted prosecutors and anti-drug agencies. Energy Investment: Paraguay has opened parts of its electricity market to private participation under new rules for non-conventional renewables, allowing homes and businesses to install solar and sell surplus back to the grid via net metering, while ANDE keeps a central role. Public Finance & Jobs: Paraguay’s Economy Ministry opened applications for a 2026/2027 University Internship Programme, targeting final-year students with a 3.5 GPA minimum across multiple business, engineering, law, and policy fields. Aviation Sector Deal: Paraguayan airline Paranair was sold to Canadian and Bolivian investors (95% Canadian, 5% Bolivian), with DINAC reviewing new shareholders for the air operator certificate. Diplomacy & Trade: Paraguay marked Independence Day in Jerusalem, with the embassy reception underscoring deepening ties with Israel and highlighting trade and cooperation. Sports & Economy Spillover: FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme is set to pay clubs for World Cup player releases, with Paraguay’s Group D featuring matches that could boost local and regional football-related spending.

Drug Enforcement: Paraguay’s SENAD says it detained four U.S. citizens after a private aircraft landed at Silvio Pettirossi Airport near Asunción carrying 261.6 kg of high-THC marijuana; the suspects were charged with international drug trafficking. Border Security: Separately, the Paraguayan Navy seized 1,037 kg of marijuana in Itapúa near the Paraná River after people fled a canoe during a patrol and an exchange of fire. World Cup Business & Local Economy: With Paraguay in Group D alongside the U.S. and Australia, the U.S. pre-World Cup build-up hit a key moment as Christian Pulisic ended a long scoring drought in a 3-2 friendly win over Senegal—raising attention on the June 12 Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium. Sports Diplomacy: Paraguay marked Independence Day at its Jerusalem embassy with remarks tying the country’s choice of location to its relationship with Israel. Culture & Tourism: A Paraguayan craft initiative, Manos Paraguayas, continues to grow after turning Ñandutí and Encaje Jú into an online community recognized by the national culture secretariat.

Paraguay Security: The Paraguayan Navy seized 1,037 kg of marijuana in Itapúa near the Paraná River border with Argentina, after detecting people loading packages into a canoe; an exchange of fire was reported and the suspects fled, leaving the vessel and drugs behind. Tax & Fiscal Outlook: Paraguay’s DNIT projects about 8% growth in tax revenues in the second half of 2026, citing improved collection and stronger domestic tax performance, while customs faces pressure from exchange-rate swings. Urban Mobility: Asunción’s traffic crisis is worsening as daily inflows of workers, students and visitors push the city’s effective population far beyond its official resident count, straining transport, infrastructure and municipal finances. Agribusiness: Paraguay inaugurated a modern strawberry showroom and commercial space in Estanzuela (Itauguá), funded by the World Bank (₲997M), to help producers sell under the “Delicias de Estanzuela” brand and improve market access. Investment & Migration: Paraguay launched a residency-by-investment “Investor Pass,” offering faster permanent residency for qualifying investors via tourism projects or investments in stocks/real estate. Culture & Craft Economy: Manos Paraguayas highlights how Paraguayan Ñandutí and Encaje Jú are being preserved and taught through a recognized cultural project built around online learning.

Tax Outlook: Paraguay’s DNIT projects about 8% tax revenue growth in the second half of 2026, citing improved collection and stronger domestic taxes, while customs receipts face pressure from exchange-rate swings. Urban Mobility: Asunción’s daily population surge is worsening traffic and stressing transport, roads, public services, and municipal finances as the city hosts far more commuters than its official resident count. Regional Security: Mercosur countries and associated states will create a crime monitoring center with university-validated, standardized crime data published online, aiming to align figures across police, prosecutors, and the judiciary. World Cup Business Angle: With the US set to open its World Cup group stage against Paraguay on June 12, the USMNT plays Senegal in Charlotte on May 31—while Paraguay’s match is already drawing major attention from fans and host-city logistics. Sports & Culture: A Paraguayan engineer scholarship success story highlights growing talent pipelines, while a Paraguayan tennis player faces a significant French Open fine after sexist remarks about a female umpire.

World Cup Venues & Paraguay Link: The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, with Paraguay’s first match vs the U.S. set for June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Ticketing Pressure: Despite strong overall demand, thousands of tickets remain unsold for the U.S.-Paraguay opener, with inventory still showing thousands available on FIFA and resale channels. Labor Risk at SoFi: Unite Here Local 11 workers at SoFi have authorized a strike vote after failed talks with stadium operator Legends Global, putting eight World Cup matches at risk just days before kickoff. Paraguay in the Spotlight (Sports): Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo faces a “significant” fine from Roland Garros after sexist remarks about a female umpire following his loss to Moïse Kouamé. Trade & Agriculture: At a WTO side event, Paraguay and other rice stakeholders discussed how India’s subsidies are distorting global rice prices, squeezing costs and hurting market predictability. Energy & Investment: Paraguay is moving on major energy and infrastructure momentum, including a large-scale solar tender and a major pulp mill investment, signaling continued foreign direct investment interest.

Labor & Tourism Pressure: Unite Here Local 11, representing 2,000+ SoFi Stadium workers in food and beverage concessions, has halted talks with Legends Global and authorized a strike vote next week, just before the June 12 U.S. opener vs Paraguay—raising fresh operational risk for a venue hosting eight World Cup matches. Ticketing Watch: Despite strong overall interest, thousands of U.S.-Paraguay tickets remain unsold on FIFA’s primary portal and resale listings, with inventory still showing tens of thousands of available seats. Paraguay in Global Trade: At a WTO side event, USA Rice and private rice leaders including Paraguay discussed how India’s subsidies distort prices and hurt farmers, underscoring Paraguay’s exposure to global commodity swings. Infrastructure & Logistics: Paraguay’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in the final stretch on the Paraguay-Brazil border, aiming to cut export transit times to Asia by 10–15 days. Business & Investment Climate: Paraguay secured 6th place in Latin America/Caribbean for international meetings and events tourism (ICCA GlobeWatch), with Asunción ranking 8th—boosting the case for inbound business travel. Aviation Policy: Paraguay scrapped a 6% airline ticket tax to support the aviation sector.

Infrastructure & Trade: Paraguay’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in the final stretch at the Paraguay–Brazil border, with just 21 meters left to complete the Paraguay River link of the Bioceanic Bridge—aimed at cutting export transit times to Asia by 10–15 days. Aviation Policy: Paraguay’s President signed a law scrapping the 6% airline ticket tax, a move meant to lower carrier costs and boost the aviation sector’s growth. Finance & Competitiveness: A new reform agenda focuses on lowering the cost of capital, targeting cheaper financing for companies to turn macro stability into faster income gains. Energy & Industry: Paraguay opened direct poultry exports to the United Arab Emirates, while major energy investment continues with a large-scale solar tender and electric equipment deliveries to key terminals. Business & Markets: Paraguay saw a 24% surge in digital payments, signaling shifting consumer behavior and more activity in the formal economy. Tourism & Culture: Asunción hosts the 2026 International Book Fair (FIL) from May 28 to June 7, positioning it as a broader cultural meeting point beyond books.

Aviation Policy Shift: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña signed a law removing the 6% tax on airline tickets, aiming to cut carriers’ costs and boost the aviation sector’s growth and international connectivity. Cost of Capital Focus: A new reform agenda for Paraguay highlights lowering the cost of capital as the next big economic priority to turn fiscal credibility into cheaper financing for companies. Trade & Investment Signals: Paraguay is set to host a major Mercosur business leaders meeting in Asunción in 2026, reinforcing the country’s push to position itself as a regional investment hub. Digital Payments Momentum: Paraguay reported a 24% surge in digital payments, pointing to faster consumer adoption of cashless transactions. Energy & Industry Moves: Paraguay launched its first large-scale solar tender and also opened direct poultry exports to the United Arab Emirates, while a major pulp mill project worth US$1.5 billion is breaking ground. Culture & Business Calendar: Asunción’s International Book Fair (FIL) runs May 28–June 7, with 60+ exhibitors and 120 stands, adding another draw for readers and publishing-linked tourism.

Paraguay in the World Cup spotlight: FIFA’s 2026 tournament is set to kick off June 11, with Paraguay listed among the key storylines for Group D, where the U.S. faces Paraguay on June 12—an opening that’s already driving major fan activity and media attention across North America. Regional business & diplomacy watch: Paraguay is also named among the South American leaders invited to the U.S.-hosted Shield of the Americas summit, while Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago have reportedly held back on a CARICOM statement tied to U.S. measures against Cuba—signals of shifting regional solidarity that can affect trade and investment sentiment. Energy and infrastructure angle: Paraguay’s broader economic momentum continues to show up in coverage ranging from major infrastructure projects to digital payments growth, keeping the country in the mix for investors tracking South America’s next wave.

Mercosur Business: Paraguay will host the annual meeting of Mercosur business leaders on May 28 in Asunción, bringing together presidents and chamber representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia to push regional integration, intra-bloc trade and a shared private-sector agenda. Energy & Renewables: ANDE launched Paraguay’s first large-scale solar photovoltaic tender under Law 7599/2025: a 140 MW Loma Plata project in Boquerón, with 220 kV grid connection and World Bank support, opening the door to long-term renewable PPAs and possible solar-plus-storage. Ports & Logistics: Liebherr delivered an electric-powered FCC 280 fixed cargo crane for Puerto Seguro Fluvial, boosting heavy-load container handling and supporting the terminal’s expansion program with lower emissions and noise. FDI Spotlight: Paraguay is highlighted as South America’s “quiet” FDI star, with net foreign direct investment inflows around US$931m in 2024, reflecting steadier macro conditions and broader investor diversification. Digital Economy & Risk: A report warns that cryptocurrency mining and data-center demand—linked to new U.S. stablecoin rules—could intensify pressure on electricity systems and environmentally sensitive areas in Paraguay and the Pantanal/Gran Chaco. World Cup Watch (Paraguay Connection): New York’s free “World Cup Watch Experience” in Long Island on June 12 will screen USA vs Paraguay and feature a live Third Eye Blind performance, underscoring the tournament’s spillover into local events and consumer activity.