Message from the Chief Representative

In relation to Japan, since the start of the Japanese migration program to Paraguay in 1936, there are currently about 10,000 Japan immigrants and Japanese descendants (Nikkei) living as residents, which have gained a very high reputation among the Paraguayan society for its diverse contributions, mainly in the agricultural field. In addition, combined with Japan's long-standing economic cooperation through ODA, Paraguay is one of the most pro-Japan countries in Latin America.

With agriculture as its core industry, it boasts one of the world's leading production and export volumes of soybeans and beef. On the other hand, since the economy is greatly affected by fluctuations in crop production and international prices due to the effects of climate change, it is essential to ensure stable agricultural productivity, mainly for export products with high international competitiveness. In addition, the income disparity in Paraguay remains large, especially in rural areas, so it is necessary to continue to create jobs and improve livelihoods through rural development.

On the other hand, in recent years, the Paraguayan government has been actively promoting measures to attract foreign investment, and against the backdrop of the Maquila Law, which promotes exports based in Paraguay, and the abundant young labor force and abundant hydroelectric power generation, foreign companies, including Japan companies, are actively expanding into the automotive parts, shipbuilding, food processing fields, etc., and the conventional industrial structure that depends on agriculture is being transformed. To promote the entry of the private sector, there is an urgent need to improve the investment and business environment in terms of software and hardware.

To steadily support the development and continuous economic growth of Paraguay, which has maintained the highest economic growth rate among Latin American and Caribbean countries in recent years, we will make maximum use of JICA's three schemes of loan aid, grant aid, and technical cooperation, as well as schemes such as volunteer dispatch, citizen participation, and private-sector collaboration, and strive to develop projects through a multilayered and systematic cooperative approach. In addition, based on the history of cooperation so far, we would like to expand cooperation in new fields such as space development (satellite operation technology and utilization of satellite images).

If you are interested in Paraguay, please feel free to contact us. To further develop the long-standing relationship of trust between Paraguay and Japan, I hope to work together with the people of both countries. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.