Asunción, Agencia IP.- The Paraguayan President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, emphasized the importance of promoting sustained investment in infrastructure to drive growth and development, particularly to achieve a more integrated Latin America.
«We must continue investing. Investment in infrastructure is a central pillar of regional integration. Latin America remains the least integrated region, and this has a real economic impact,» Peña stated after participating in the opening of the Latin American Infrastructure Forum held today in Asunción.
The Head of State reminded attendees that Latin America was most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic precisely because it is the «least connected region.» He highlighted that investment in infrastructure and political agreements are essential to addressing this situation.
«Mercosur is a tool for integration. We must support these integration tools—bioceanic corridors and integration bridges are part of a long-term vision that will make Latin America more integrated and, consequently, much more developed,» he said.
In this context, the President acknowledged that «no one can do it alone.» On the contrary, both the government and different countries must unite through a public-private partnership to make infrastructure a driver of growth and development in the region.
Additionally, the Head of State underscored the significance of the Latin American Infrastructure Forum, which brings together business leaders, public authorities, international organizations, academia, and guests involved in infrastructure development across Latin America.
«We are gathered today for a common and transcendental purpose: to promote the development of infrastructure that drives economic growth and, more importantly, improves the quality of life of our people,» he said.
Peña noted that the lack of infrastructure affects thousands of citizens and increases logistical costs, limiting competitiveness in the regional market. «We need to address existing gaps to meet the needs of a growing population and adapt swiftly to new economic and social realities,» he concluded.