Asunción, Agencia IP.- Addressing a prominent delegation of Taiwanese business leaders, President Santiago Peña emphasized Paraguay’s economic advantages. He declared, «Paraguay is today the best country in Latin America to do business.» He stated that the government’s greatest challenge is to communicate this message to the world.
His remarks were made during the opening of the Paraguay–Taiwan Investment and Opportunities Forum, held this Monday at the Cultural Center of the Port of Asunción.
Speaking before more than 30 Taiwanese businesspeople from strategic sectors who arrived with Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-Lun, Peña stressed that Paraguay has the economic solvency to choose its allies freely, without being coerced by any nation.
He underscored that Paraguay is in a strong political, economic, and social position, enabling it to make autonomous decisions. «Paraguay chooses to maintain relations with Taiwan because we see in that relationship one based on principles and values, not just economic interest,» Peña stated. «Paraguay chooses to be a firm and committed ally of the United States, not due to short-term convenience, but based on a long-term partnership,» he added.
He also affirmed Paraguay’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, citing it as part of a deep, historic bond, rather than a temporary interest. «We are not willing to negotiate those principles and values,» he stressed.
Peña emphasized that both the private sector and the government must spread the message that «doing business with Paraguay is good business.» He asserted, «Taiwanese companies shouldn’t come to Paraguay just because it’s one of the 12 countries that recognize Taiwan—they should come because doing business here is highly profitable. Today, Paraguay is the best country in Latin America to do business.»
Paraguay: Resilient amid global turmoil
President Peña highlighted Paraguay’s resilience in the face of global challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when its economy was among the least affected in 2020. «This is the testimony of a country that has patiently built economic strength, with a productive sector that holds enormous potential,» he said. «Paraguay has embraced technology and can now stand shoulder to shoulder with any major food-producing country.»
He added that Paraguay, once lagging in the race for development, has shown its ability to compete while respecting market rules, labor laws, and environmental standards—factors that make it the second most open economy in Latin America, after Mexico.
«Paraguay remains the best-kept secret… but now we are determined to re-enter global markets,» Peña said. «We want Paraguayan businesses to continue being a source of development and innovation. The State will create the conditions for that, and I believe we have important work ahead with the business leaders of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to show them this Paraguay.»
Finally, the president invited Taiwanese investors to establish operations in Paraguay, highlighting the country’s competitiveness, low tax burden, exchange rate stability, and a legal framework that promotes job creation as its main social policy.
«This country is determined not just to participate in international trade but to be a key player in food production, industry, and technology. We want to make full use of our abundant supply of clean, renewable electricity and become a leader in the service industry as well,» he concluded.