Message from the Chief Representative

The year 2026 marks a highly significant historical milestone for both Japan and Paraguay: the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration, which began in 1936 with the arrival of the first immigrants to La Colmena. Thanks to the welcoming spirit of the Paraguayan people, the Nikkei community, which now consists of more than ten thousand individuals, has built a strong relationship of trust between our two countries over the decades through perseverance, integrity, and dedication. This legacy is an invaluable asset for both Paraguay and Japan.

I feel truly honored to have arrived in Paraguay during such a significant year for this beautiful country, a nation that enjoys a close friendship with Japan and is full of opportunities.
For many years,

JICA has supported Paraguay’s development through assistance to immigrant settlements, technical cooperation, grant aid, concessional loans, and the dispatch of JICA volunteers, thereby contributing to the nation-building efforts of this country.

The Government of Paraguay has formulated the National Development Plan 2050 (NDP 2050) as a roadmap for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. In close alignment with this plan, and building upon the strong relationship of trust between our two countries, JICA will focus its efforts primarily on the following two priority areas:
1. Sustainable Economic Development Based on Climate Change Measures
With the aim of strengthening food security, JICA will support the enhancement of production and marketing capacities among small-scale farmers through approaches such as SHEP (Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion). In cooperation with SENACSA, we will also work to improve animal health and ensure the quality of livestock products.
In addition, we will promote initiatives to reduce climate-related risks and strengthen disaster management through cooperation in the space sector. We will support improvements in transportation infrastructure, including roads and waterways, and promote the study and utilization of green hydrogen based on the country’s abundant water resources.
These initiatives will contribute to optimizing the supply of clean energy for future generations, fostering innovative industries, and strengthening Paraguay’s economic structure.

2. Inclusive Social Development
To contribute to the achievement of the goals established in the National Drinking Water and Sanitation Plan (PNAPS), JICA will support the strengthening of drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, while also promoting integrated water resources management based on Japan’s experience and expertise.
Furthermore, in coordination with the National Secretariat for the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SENADIS), we will continue promoting initiatives such as the Project for the Promotion of Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities, creating spaces for dialogue at the community level and contributing to the development of an inclusive society in which all people can benefit from growth and development.

The fundamental foundation and greatest driving force behind all these initiatives is our close collaboration with the Nikkei community, which enjoys a high level of recognition and trust in Paraguay. We are committed to preserving and passing on to future generations valuable experience, technical expertise, and knowledge accumulated by the Nikkei community throughout its history.

Inspired by JICA’s vision of “Leading the World with Bonds of Trust,” we will further strengthen dialogue with Paraguayan government institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and society as a whole. Through initiatives with which we can all identify and share common values, we aspire to build the future together.

We will also continue strengthening our role as a bridge connecting Japan and Paraguay, as well as the rest of the world.