Asunción, Agencia IP.- During his visit to Switzerland, President Santiago Peña met with the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helen Budlinger, who highlighted the president’s role in promoting Paraguay as an investment destination and the opportunities the country offers to European entrepreneurs.
In a meeting marking a significant step forward in economic relations between Switzerland and Paraguay, the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helen Budlinger, expressed strong interest in strengthening trade and investment ties with Paraguay.
During President Peña’s visit, key meetings were held with representatives from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—with the goal of advancing a free trade agreement with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).
«President Peña’s visit has been a very important event for Switzerland and EFTA countries. We met with President Peña and representatives from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. We are interested in finalizing a free trade agreement between Mercosur and EFTA. Peña plays a key role in representing Mercosur,» Budlinger stated.
The State Secretary underscored Paraguay’s potential as an attractive destination for Swiss investments: «After our government-to-government discussions, we met with Swiss investors and companies already operating in Paraguay. I must say that we were all very impressed with the opportunities Paraguay presents.»
Budlinger also praised the Paraguayan president’s ability to effectively communicate investment opportunities, stating that «he is someone who positions his country very well.»
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of establishing economic and trade relations with other countries for Swiss businesses. Although Switzerland is a small country—covering only 10% of Paraguay’s territory—it ranks as the world’s 20th largest market.
«Switzerland has many companies that are interested in investing around the world,» Budlinger noted, highlighting the strong interest these companies have in Paraguay’s investment proposals.
The free trade agreement between Mercosur and EFTA, which initially concluded in 2019, is significant for both parties.
For EFTA countries, Mercosur represents a market of 260 million consumers. At the same time, for Mercosur, EFTA offers access to a market of 14 million people with high purchasing power.
This agreement aims to reduce tariffs and improve market access conditions for products from both regions, including agricultural and manufactured goods.
This meeting reinforces Paraguay’s commitment to expanding its economic and trade relations globally, seeking strategic alliances that drive mutual growth.