Asunción, Agencia IP.- The Vice Minister of Industry, Marco Riquelme, welcomed a delegation from Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing Ltd. of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to discuss progress on the installation of their electric bus assembly plant at the Taiwan Smart Technology Park located in Minga Guazú, Alto Paraná.
The delegation from Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing Ltd. was led by its president, Ting-Fa Wu. At the same time, the Vice Minister was accompanied by his technical team.
According to the plan, the first units assembled in Paraguay are expected to roll off the production line in 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward electric mobility, representing a major step in modernizing the transport system and adopting cleaner, more efficient technologies.
During the meeting, the Taiwanese delegation gave a detailed presentation on the benefits of the innovative technology integrated into this fleet of electric buses, emphasizing long-term reductions in operational and infrastructure costs.
Vice Minister Riquelme noted that while the initial investment in electric buses is higher than that of conventional vehicles, the savings achieved in less than 10 years more than offset the initial cost.
This compensation, he explained, comes from lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance expenses, and greater durability of electric components, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).
He also highlighted the positive environmental impact of adopting electric buses, particularly in reducing carbon emissions, which contributes to climate change mitigation and helps Paraguay meet its international environmental commitments.
Additionally, he pointed out the opportunity to generate extra income through the sale of carbon credits, further incentivizing investment in clean technologies.
Another key point emphasized by the vice minister was the cutting-edge technology in these buses, characterized by a significant range and a full recharge time of just 15 minutes.
This high-speed charging efficiency will enable greater productivity in passenger transport, optimizing operational times and reducing downtime-related costs.
The Master Bus assembly plant in Paraguay aims not only to meet local market demand but also to expand into the Mercosur market. This will position Paraguay as a regional hub for electric bus production, boosting the automotive industry and creating new job opportunities.
The MIC is closely supporting this initiative, recognizing its strategic importance for the country’s technological development and electromobility. This support is being implemented through streamlined administrative processes, promotion of tax incentives, and coordination with other public and private sector stakeholders.
The installation of the Master Bus plant in Paraguay represents a strong step toward a more sustainable future and a more competitive economy, the MIC emphasized.