Almost six million hectares have the potential to develop forestry investments in Paraguay.

The Forest Investment Viewer, recently presented by the National Forestry Institute ( Infona ) of Paraguay, showed that the country has more than 5,800,000 hectares with very high potential to develop forestry investments in Paraguay.

Based on this potential, the Government promotes the “Paraguay Forestry for the World” plan to position the industry and forest products abroad, meeting the traceability requirements to allow leveraging exports of wood products and commodities such as soybeans and meat.

This was stated by the president of Infona, Cristina Goralewski, during the Plaza Pública DENDE program, where the topic “The new star of the Paraguayan economy” was addressed. The forestry sector: analysis and reflections on its potential”, which also included the participation of Ricardo Kiriluk, director of Desarrollos Madereros, under the moderation of Yan Speranza.

Forest industry investments in Paraguay will have a traceability component

Goralewski explained that the forest traceability component is focused on compliance with the regulations and agreements between the European Union and Mercosur and will allow a demonstration of the development process that Paraguay is carrying out. He stated that today, the markets that pay more for Paraguayan forestry products are becoming more demanding regarding sustainability, regardless of the country’s regulations.

Currently, the country has 205,000 hectares of forest plantations, mainly in the Eastern Region. The manufacturing sector comprises more than 400 industries, of which more than 80% are sawmills, with Caaguazú being the area with the largest number of forestry industries.

Goralewski commented that the Forest Investment Viewer is dynamic and will be updated as new industries are installed in Paraguay, including forestry and biomass consumption.

He cited Paracel, in Concepción, which will invest USD 4 billion and represent 4% of the GDP, and Investancia, in Carmelo Peralta. While Paracel will base its production on eucalyptus, Investancia invests in pongamia, a forest species whose fruit produces biodiesel with a high nutritional component. It can also be used for the production of livestock feed.

Guarantees to finance forestry investments in Paraguay

The head of Infona pointed out the importance of having credits destined 100% to forestry production. He said that the presence of the financial system is still “timid” regarding the sector’s growth, which demands at least seven years for cellulose and biomass and ten years for solid wood. However, he announced that work is being done with the Development Financial Agency (AFD) on a Forest Guarantee Subfund to leverage credits promoting forestry investments in Paraguay.

Goralewski expressed that his challenge as head of the institution in this period is the development of the National Forest Policy, based on an already existing document, which must be updated and reviewed, not only with the forestry sector but also with the financial sector—the industrial sector, among others.

Genetic improvement

For his part, Ricardo Kiriluk pointed out that the genetics of Paraguayan forestry production are excellent and are only available in some places in the world. This is why forestry investments in Paraguay should be taken advantage of. He added that just as Paraguay exports soybeans, corn, different types of oil, and meat in large volumes, the forestry sector has to take that path to export lumber, furniture, pulp, and new related products.

He welcomed the fact that AFD and private banks are developing financing systems to facilitate forestry investments in Paraguay. However, he said that work must continue on the interest rate so that it is low and that there must also be an agile system to grant financing. He added the guarantees when the bank lends, for which they can work with insurers.

He commented that worldwide, the export business of multilaminate boards is approximately 25 million cubic meters per year, for which an offer in quality and quantity is required. In this regard, he indicated that Paraguay could take advantage of the restrictions on production with native wood that exists in some producing and consuming countries and start producing more from lumber of different types, which are inputs for furniture production.

He stated that some local industrialists are exporting furniture kits to different parts of the world. “It would be a great challenge and something very interesting. Let’s start producing wood and industrialized products locally to start building houses,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, Alberto Acosta Garbarino, head of DENDE, said that the forestry sector started very slowly, with a lot of effort, and that it will increase much more with the appearance of paper mills. He added that the financial sector is learning how this business works, with the presence of the AFD, and is beginning to finance long-term projects, with guarantees that allow this financing and suitable insurance policies that can cover the risks of cultivating this crop.

Finally, Yan Speranza indicated the need to join forces with the forestry sector to develop and strengthen financing with knowledgeable specialists who understand its dynamics.

In conclusion, the forestry sector in Paraguay stands at a pivotal juncture, poised for significant expansion and economic contribution. With over 5.8 million hectares identified for forestry investments and a strategic plan like “Paraguay Forestry for the World” in place, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on its natural resources. The emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and collaboration between government institutions, financial agencies, and industry stakeholders underscores a commitment to responsible growth. As initiatives such as the Forest Guarantee Subfund take shape and genetic improvements enhance productivity, Paraguay is primed to emerge as a critical player in the global forestry market, offering raw materials and value-added products. With continued support and strategic investment, the forestry sector is poised to become a cornerstone of Paraguay’s economic prosperity and sustainable development.

SOURCE: Agencia de Información Paraguaya

As part of a collaboration agreement between the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), several countries have recently been invited to develop an investment guide contributing to generating investment opportunities in the tourism sector.  The document includes investment opportunities, the competitive landscape, regulatory information, and an overview of the country’s attractions to generate business development in the tourism sector.  One of the subjects of the guide is investing in tourism in Uruguay.

Uruguay’s president leads the discussion on investing in tourism in Uruguay

The presentation was led by the Uruguayan president, Luis Lacalle Pou; the Vice President of the Uruguayan Republic, Beatríz Argimón; the Minister of Tourism, Tabaré Viera; the Undersecretary of Tourism, Remo Monzeglio; the General Director of the Secretariat, Ignacio Curbelo, the National Director of Tourism, Roque Baudean, the Executive President of CAF, Sergio Díaz – Granados, the Executive Director of UN Tourism, Natalia Bayona and the Regional Director for the Americas of UN Tourism, Gustavo Santos, among other national, regional, departmental authorities, and representatives of different embassies in Uruguay.

The Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Sergio Díaz–Granados, presided over the meeting and stated, “This Guide reflects what Uruguay offers.  This includes institutional economic stability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and human talent.  Uruguay also offers sun and sand, nautical tourism, and cruises.  The country has fertile lands for agricultural and wine tourism.  All this is reflected in the guide’s potential to promote investing in tourism in Uruguay.  Additionally, it highlights the important investments that have already been made.”

On the other hand, the Regional Director for the Americas of UN Tourism, Gustavo Santos, referred to “generating more investments in our region and for this having a standard methodology that we have imposed through these Investment Guides so that all the countries in the region can finally reach their tourism potential.

Post-pandemic tourism has made a comeback

The Minister of Tourism, Tabaré Viera, expressed that “tourism is a great engine of development and has perhaps been one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic crisis, but it has also proven the great resilience it has, particularly in Uruguay.  “As a result of the implementation of public policies and the tenacity of the private sector, it has recovered, although it still has some challenges.”

Officials present the guide on investing in tourism in Uruguay

Once the opening was completed, the guide on investing in tourism in Uruguay was presented.  An overview of its contents was presented, as well as further information about the country by the Executive Director of UN Tourism, Natalia Bayona, and the Director General of the Secretariat of the Ministry of Tourism, Ignacio Curbelo.

The General Director, Ignacio Curbelo, said, “We produced the tourism guide with the firm conviction that it would be a very useful tool for motivating entrepreneurs and businesses to invest in tourism in Uruguay.” He pointed out the qualities that make Uruguay a country with excellent investment potential in the tourism sector.

“ Uruguay has political stability and institutionality.  It has had an average gross domestic product of 3.4 percent over the last twenty years.  This number places it above the average of Latin America and the Caribbean, where the index for the rest of the region stands at 2.5 percent.  Regarding inflation, the tourism guide highlights that in Uruguay, it has been at 7.7 percent over the last two decades, closing last year at 5.1 percent.  To this must be added a total foreign direct investment in Uruguay that closed  2022 with 3.8 billion dollars, 71 percent more than the figure for the previous year.

“Between 2015 and 2022, the Investment Law Enforcement Commission cited projects that total $9.6 billion.  Uruguay has investment agreements with 34 countries representing 78 percent of the world’s GDP.  And it is one of the three investment-grade countries in South America,” the secretary general remarked.

For his part, Bayona referred to the 71% growth of foreign direct investment in Uruguay.  “There are very few countries in the world that achieve this.” He further stated, “Uruguay is a success story of Latin Americans investing in Latin America, which is an excellent message to send to parties considering investing in tourism in Uruguay.” Additionally, he reported that almost 4,000 jobs have been created in the last year thanks to investment in tourism in the country.

“Investment financing” was also addressed.  Presentations on this topic were made by the Southern Regional Manager of CAF, Jorge Srur, and the Director of Tourism of CAF, Oscar Rueda.

The day closed with a panel that debated “Investment Outlook,” in which the Director of Ceres, Ignacio Munyo, and the Director of Uruguay XXI, Sebastián Risso, participated.

Macroeconomic strength makes Uruguay a good bet for investment

The guide for investing in tourism in Uruguay presents a vision of the future that highlights the country’s macroeconomic strength, wealth in natural resources, and investment possibilities that respond to new global trends in green investments and the response to global consumer sustainability trends.

The central objective of UN Tourism with the publication of this type of guide in various countries seeks to guarantee the growth and competitiveness of the sector, for which it is necessary to invest considerably in the training and improvement of the professional skills of the staff and implement technical programs that are centered on vocational training.

“Doing Business, Investing in Tourism in Uruguay” aims to show the conditions for attracting foreign direct investment in its five chapters.  The first and second chapters provide information and data on Uruguay’s economic and investment panorama.  Chapter three highlights the benefits of investing in tourism in Uruguay, which are derived from the comprehensive natural offerings, the unique geographical location, and the country’s biodiversity.  Chapter four analyzes green investments and their relationship with the tourism sector and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finally, chapter five analyzes the positioning of the tourism sector in the world and the region, highlighting the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP, one of the highest in the region.

The presentation of the Investment Guide “Doing Business – Investing in Tourism in Uruguay” marks a significant milestone in promoting Uruguay as an attractive destination for investment in the tourism sector.  With strong leadership from President Luis Lacalle Pou and collaboration from key stakeholders, including the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this comprehensive guide showcases Uruguay’s political stability, economic strength, and abundant natural resources.  By highlighting the country’s competitive advantages and investment opportunities, this guide is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to capitalize on Uruguay’s potential.  Through strategic investments and a focus on sustainable development, Uruguay is poised to enhance its position as a leading tourism destination, contributing to economic growth and prosperity for years to come.

In a world where economic interdependence is a reality, the role of Mercosur in the global economy shapes international trade dynamics. Mercosur stands as an example of economic cooperation and integration in South America. Formed in 1991, Mercosur, short for Mercado Común del Sur or the Southern Common Market, comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Intra-bloc trade constitutes a substantial portion of its overall commerce, indicating the strength of regional integration efforts. Argentina and Brazil emerge as pivotal players, with their economies driving much of Mercosur’s internal trade.

Over the years, Mercosur has evolved into one of the largest trading blocs in the world, with significant implications for global commerce.

Mercosur’s Economic Landscape: A Snapshot of Member Countries

Argentina:

As one of Mercosur’s founding members, Argentina boasts a diverse and resource-rich economy. With a GDP exceeding $400 billion, it is one of South America’s largest economies. Argentina’s economic landscape is characterized by its agricultural prowess. The country trades various agricultural goods with its Mercosur partners Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Some of the key agricultural products traded between Argentina and these countries include:

• Grains: Argentina is a significant producer and exporter of corn, wheat, and soybeans. These grains are commonly traded within the Mercosur region for domestic consumption and export.
• Beef: Argentina is renowned for beef production; exports are significant within the Mercosur bloc. Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay are essential markets for Argentine beef.
• Dairy products: Argentina exports dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter to its Mercosur partners. These products are traded to meet demand and take advantage of comparative advantages within the region.
• Fruits and vegetables: Argentina produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, apples, pears, grapes, and tomatoes. These products are traded within Mercosur for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Vegetable oils: Argentina is a leading producer and exporter of vegetable oils, particularly soybean oil. Soybean oil is traded within Mercosur for food processing and industrial applications.
• Sugar and related products: Argentina produces sugar and associated products such as molasses and ethanol. These products are traded within Mercosur to meet demand and take advantage of production surpluses.
• Other crops: Argentina trades other agricultural products such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and yerba mate with its Mercosur partners, depending on market conditions and production levels.

Additionally, Argentina has a robust industrial sector, particularly in automotive manufacturing and food processing. Brazil has been Argentina’s largest trading partner within Mercosur, followed by Uruguay and Paraguay.

Brazil:

As the largest economy in South America and a powerhouse within Mercosur, Brazil plays a central role in shaping the bloc’s economic agenda. With a GDP surpassing $2 trillion, Brazil’s economy is characterized by its vast natural resources, ranging from agricultural products like coffee and sugarcane to minerals like iron ore. Furthermore, Brazil boasts a burgeoning manufacturing sector. Some of the common manufactured goods traded between Brazil and these countries include:

• Automobiles and automotive parts: Brazil has a significant automotive industry, and it exports automobiles, trucks, and automotive parts to its Mercosur partners.
• Machinery and equipment: Brazil manufactures and exports machinery and equipment, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: Brazil produces and exports a wide range of chemicals, including petrochemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.
• Electronics and electrical equipment: Brazil manufactures and exports electronics and electrical equipment such as TVs, smartphones, home appliances, and electrical components.
• Textiles and apparel: Brazil produces textiles, clothing, and footwear, which are exported to Mercosur countries.
• Steel and metal products: Brazil is a major producer of steel and metal products, including steel sheets, pipes, and metal structures.
• Food and beverages: Brazil exports various food and beverage products, including processed foods, beverages, and agricultural products such as soybeans and meat.

Paraguay:

While smaller in comparison to its Mercosur counterparts, Paraguay plays a crucial role in the bloc’s economic framework. Paraguay leverages its strategic location and agribusiness sector to drive economic growth despite its landlocked status. Agriculture dominates Paraguay’s economy, with soybeans, corn, and beef being primary exports.

Additionally, the country benefits from its hydroelectric power generation, which provides a reliable energy source. Paraguay exports a considerable portion of its hydroelectric power to Brazil, with agreements in place to sell electricity from the Itaipu dam. Paraguay also exports electricity to Argentina through various arrangements.

Uruguay:

Completing the quartet of Mercosur nations, Uruguay punches above its weight in terms of economic influence. With a GDP exceeding $60 billion, Uruguay’s agricultural exports characterize its economy. The country trades various agricultural goods with its Mercosur partners Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Some of the essential agricultural products traded between Uruguay and these countries include:

• Beef: Uruguay is a significant producer and exporter of high-quality beef. Beef exports to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay are important components of Uruguay’s agricultural trade within the Mercosur bloc.
• Dairy products: Uruguay exports dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter to its Mercosur partners. These products are traded for both domestic consumption and export within the region.
• Rice: Uruguay produces and exports rice, and trade in this commodity occurs with Mercosur partners like Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
• Grains: Uruguay produces grains such as wheat and corn, which are traded within Mercosur for both domestic consumption and export purposes.
• Wool: Uruguay is known for its high-quality wool production, and wool exports are traded within Mercosur for various purposes, including textiles and industrial applications.
• Fruits and vegetables: Uruguay produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, apples, grapes, and onions. These products are traded within Mercosur for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Fish and seafood: Uruguay has a significant fishing industry, and fish and seafood products are traded within Mercosur, including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
• Forestry products: Uruguay exports forestry products such as wood and paper products to its Mercosur partners, contributing to trade within the region.

Furthermore, the country has a well-developed services sector, including finance, tourism, and information technology.

Key Sectors and Trade Dynamics within Mercosur

Agribusiness:

Across Mercosur member countries, agriculture is central to driving economic growth and fostering trade. From Argentina’s fertile Pampas region to Brazil’s vast agricultural heartland, the bloc boasts an abundance of arable land and favorable climatic conditions. Consequently, agricultural commodities form the backbone of Mercosur’s trade, with intra-bloc exports and imports of grains, meats, and other agricultural products constituting a significant portion of the total trade volume.

Manufacturing:

In addition to agriculture, manufacturing is another cornerstone of Mercosur’s economic activity. Brazil, in particular, stands out for its robust manufacturing sector, encompassing automotive, aerospace, and machinery industries. The integration of supply chains within Mercosur has facilitated the flow of manufactured goods across member countries, fostering industrial specialization and enhancing competitiveness on the global stage.

Energy:

Energy represents another vital sector within Mercosur, with each member country contributing to the bloc’s energy mix in unique ways. Brazil’s abundant hydropower resources and Paraguay’s Itaipu and Yacyretá dams form the backbone of Mercosur’s hydroelectric generation capacity. Furthermore, Argentina’s significant natural gas reserves and Uruguay’s investments in renewable energy underscore the bloc’s commitment to energy security and sustainability.

Trade Flows

Intra-bloc trade forms the cornerstone of Mercosur’s economic integration, with member countries enjoying preferential access to each other’s markets. According to recent statistics, intra-Mercosur trade accounts for a substantial portion of total trade volume, surpassing $100 billion annually. Argentina and Brazil emerge as crucial trading partners within the bloc, with bilateral trade accounting for a significant share of total trade flows. Additionally, Paraguay and Uruguay benefit from access to larger markets within Mercosur, facilitating the flow of goods and services across borders.

Challenges and Opportunities and the role of Mercosur in the global economy

Despite its successes, Mercosur faces several challenges as it navigates an increasingly complex global economic landscape. Internal disputes, divergent economic policies, and geopolitical tensions pose potential obstacles to deeper integration and cooperation within the bloc. Furthermore, external factors such as trade disputes, currency fluctuations, and global economic downturns can impact Mercosur member countries’ economies.

However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for the role of Mercosur in the global economy to strengthen. By deepening economic integration, enhancing regulatory harmonization, and fostering innovation and technological advancement, Mercosur can unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity. Additionally, forging strategic partnerships with other regional blocs and engaging in multilateral trade negotiations can bolster Mercosur’s resilience and competitiveness on the world stage.

In conclusion, the role of Mercosur in the global economy cannot be disputed. Mercosur has fostered trade, investment, and economic development among its member countries since 1991 as a bastion of economic cooperation and integration in South America. By leveraging their collective strengths and addressing shared challenges, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay can chart a course toward a more prosperous and sustainable future within Mercosur and beyond.

On March 4, 2023, the free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel will enter into force, which is expected to double trade and investment between the two nations.

The trade pact was negotiated by the government of Alejandro Giammattei

As one of the notable achievements of the government of past President Alejandro Giammattei, as part of its General Government Policy 2020-2024, this past September 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Búcaro, and the Vice Minister of Integration and Foreign Trade, María Luisa Flores, in representation of the Minister of Economy, Dr. Janio Rosales, signed with Israeli economic authorities the Free Trade Agreement between Guatemala and Israel, which further strengthens the commercial and friendship ties that already unite the two nations.

In addition to Minister Búcaro and Vice Minister Flores, the Minister of Economy and Industry of Israel, Mrs. Orna Barbivai, and representatives of various productive and business sectors of Guatemala and Israel participated in the ceremony.

The free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel contains:

• Increased market access
• Favorable rules of origin
• Streamlined customs procedures and trade facilitation
• Business-friendly sanitary and phytosanitary measures
• Decreased technical barriers to trade
• Strengthened commercial defense
• Expanded Intellectual property protection
• Efficient agreement administration
• Increased trade cooperation
• Expanded customs cooperation and mutual assistance
• More significant concessions on market access

Guatemala granted Israel access to the following agricultural products: seedlings, tomato powder, peanuts, olive oil, rapeseed oil, chocolates, bakery preparations (Matzá), prepared or preserved fruits and vegetables, almond paste, powders for baking and wines.

In industrial products, access was given to petroleum derivatives, perfumery and hygiene preparations, adhesives, agrochemical inputs, rubber manufactures, leather manufactures, miscellaneous manufactures, diamonds and precious stones, aluminum manufactures, agricultural instruments, laboratory apparatus, instruments musical instruments, wooden furniture, lighting devices, and toys.

Under the trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel, the latter country granted Guatemala access to the following agricultural products: beef, shrimp, flowers, fresh and frozen vegetables, frozen fruits, spices, soybean oil, sunflower oil, vegetable fats and oils, oil mixtures, confectionery goods, chocolates, bakery products, vegetable and fruit preparations including guacamole and ice cream.

In industrial products, Israel granted immediate (duty-free) access to all tariff sections of the industrial sector of chapters 25 to 97 of the Israeli Harmonized System.

Benefits expected from signing the TLC

A free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel yields substantial economic advantages for both nations. Currently, bilateral trade between Guatemala and Israel stands at approximately $200 million annually, with Guatemala primarily exporting coffee, fruits, and vegetables to Israel. In contrast, Israel exports pharmaceuticals, technology, and machinery to Guatemala. Implementing the free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel will eliminate tariff barriers, facilitating increased trade volumes and diversification of goods and services exchanged. This expansion in trade is poised to stimulate economic growth and job creation in both countries. Guatemala stands to benefit from access to advanced Israeli technology and pharmaceuticals, enhancing productivity and competitiveness in various sectors. Simultaneously, Israel gains access to high-quality Guatemalan agricultural products and can tap into Guatemala’s burgeoning consumer market. Consequently, the free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel fosters mutual prosperity by leveraging each country’s comparative advantages, leading to sustainable economic development and job opportunities.

Additional important data

Negotiations of the free trade agreement between Guatemala and Israel began in July 2018 following the official visit of the President of Guatemala on the occasion of the transfer of the Guatemalan embassy to Jerusalem. Talks related to the accord concluded in April of 2023. To date, Guatemala has 13 trade agreements in force.

Since 2009, Guatemala has had an investment agreement with Israel that promotes and gives certainty to investments between both countries.

The FTA with Israel was signed in compliance with the General Government Policy 2020-2024, in agreement with the pillars of economy, competitiveness, and prosperity, which seeks among its strategic actions to generate instruments that promote the increase in Guatemalan exports to the world.

In conclusion, the Free Trade Agreement between Guatemala and Israel marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties and fostering mutual prosperity between the two nations. With comprehensive provisions covering market access, rules of origin, and trade cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for doubling trade and investment, unlocking new business opportunities, and enhancing competitiveness. By leveraging each other’s strengths and market potential, Guatemala and Israel stand poised to capitalize on a wide array of benefits, from expanded market access to technological innovation and job creation. This agreement underscores the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships in driving sustainable development and shared prosperity as a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and prosperity.