Asunción, Agencia IP.- Strengthening trade relations between Paraguay and Italy, along with the country’s international positioning strategy, were the central themes of an interview broadcast on the program Tribuna, on Paraguay TV, in which the president of the Italian-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce, Fernando Beconi, provided details about the upcoming country presentation to be held in Genoa in June.
The event, organized jointly by the Italian Embassy in Paraguay, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), and the Italian-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce, seeks to position the South American country as a key hub of European trade.
Genoa is a historic gateway to European trade
During the interview, Beconi explained that the choice of Genoa was not accidental. The Italian city, renowned for its port and commercial tradition, constitutes a strategic point in the European economic system.
«Genoa is an emblematic city of the Republic of Italy, a key port for Europe, and possesses a strong historical and cultural significance,» he noted, also highlighting the symbolism of holding a Paraguayan country presentation there.
The event follows the international format of a country presentation, which showcases a country’s economic, commercial, and investment opportunities to potential strategic partners.
Paraguay and Italy: More than 150 years of ties
Beconi emphasized that the bilateral relationship between Paraguay and Italy spans more than a century and a half and is marked by a significant presence of the Italian community in the country.
«We have a relationship of more than 150 years with Italy and an Italian presence in Paraguay that has contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and economic development,» he stated during the program.
In this regard, he emphasized that the event aims not only to attract investment but also to strengthen existing trade ties and highlight the role already played by Italian companies operating in Paraguay, as well as Paraguayan products present in the Italian market.
An event with institutional and business presence
The presentation in Genoa will include participation from various institutions and stakeholders across the public and private sectors. According to the interviewee, representatives from the Paraguayan Embassy in Italy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Investment and Export Network (Rediex), and private sector representatives from both countries will be present.
More than 40 Paraguayan and Italian businesspeople from sectors such as agribusiness, logistics, banking, import, construction, and services are expected to participate.
Beconi also highlighted the support from international private-sector companies sponsoring the initiative, including firms with logistics investments in Paraguay.
Italy sees Paraguay as an investment destination
One of the central points of the interview was the growing interest of Italian companies in investing in Paraguay, not only as a supplier of raw materials, but also as a production hub with added value.
«It’s no longer just about exporting raw materials. Many Italian companies have begun to establish themselves and generate added value in Paraguay,» explained Beconi.
According to the Chamber’s president, this process has accelerated in recent years, with companies that visited the country more than a decade ago now having finalized their operations.
A country seeking to overcome its «unknown» status
During the conversation, Beconi also reflected on the international perception of Paraguay in Europe.
«For years, it was said that Paraguay was largely unknown. Today, it still is to some extent, but we are moving toward greater visibility,» he stated.
Along those lines, he maintained that the direct experience of foreign investors in the country is often decisive:
Fernando Beconi, president of the Italian-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce, added, «When they visit Paraguay and travel around the country, their perspective completely changes, and many become spontaneous ambassadors for our reality.»
The interviewee also highlighted factors that, in his view, position Paraguay as an attractive destination for foreign investment, including its strategic geographic location, energy costs, simplified tax regime, and a legal framework considered favorable for business.
The event will feature an official ceremony held during a midday session, although its impact extends both before and after the main event.
Beconi explained that much of the work is done beforehand, through networking, invitations, and generating interest among Italian companies and institutions. This is followed by a phase of monitoring and strengthening business ties.
«It’s a process that isn’t limited to the day of the event, but continues before and after, creating new opportunities for connection,» he emphasized.
Cultural ties and the presence of the Italian community
At the close of the interview, the president of the Italian-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce also highlighted the significant presence of the Italian community in Paraguay, estimating that between 25% and 30% of the population has some degree of Italian ancestry.
He also invited the public to participate in cultural activities related to the commemoration of Italy Day, which include traditional celebrations in public spaces throughout Asunción.