COO of livinginparaguay.com is Andrea Carlo. Here below you can read his interview with a journalist of one of the most important newspapers in Paraguay.
Hi Andrea, tell us something about you: where do you come from and what was your job in Italy?
My name is Andrea. I studied Law in Milan and did my MBA in Madrid. My career began in Italy and continued there for 10 years. Later my career became international in more than 20 countries in four different continents: I was C-Level international Executive in the Telecommunication, financial and insurance sector.
When and why did you leave Italy?
I love Italy. It is not chauvinism. My thinking is completely clear and rational. Italy is one of the best countries in the world and I say this because I have seen, visited a lived in many countries. However, that doesn’t mean that Italy is the only country in the world, where it is possible to have a good living. I knew beautiful countries and ugly countries and when I flew to Paraguay I really felt in love with it.
I did not lose Italy. Italy is always there and I can always go back any time I want. But it does not mean that I have to lose the opportunity to know other countries, landscapes, cultures and people.
Why did you choose to move to Paraguay and where do you live exactly?
I live in Asuncion , the capital of Paraguay. Paraguay really amazed me. This country is not famous, but it is exceptionally balanced. I was impressed by its quality of life and its pleasant and relaxed society. Don’t forget that Paraguayan society is much safer than other societies in neighbouring countries.
Paraguay’s economy is growing fast and has many benefits for foreigners who choose to live here.
Did you leave alone or with your family or your partner?
I left with my loved ones, but it is possible that some other relatives will move there in future.
Previously, did you live abroad for long periods?
Yes. As a matter of fact, as I was saying, I held high managerial positions in worldwide known companies. This fact allowed me to know much better the countries I visited.
In Paraguay what is your activity?
In our company all of us are legal advisers with long international careers.
Our goal is to help people have a Plan B for themselves and their families, and establish a second legal permanent residence in Paraguay. Along the way, our clients can safeguard their assets affordably, with little or no tax obligation. We support our clients and their families by helping create safe havens and investment opportunities, with comprehensive solutions with a very good price and guaranting a high level or service.
We understand very well the difficulties that many people could have when they decide to move to Paraguay: bureaucracy in a foreign country, different language, different laws etc..
In short: our goal is to offer our fellow countrymen the opportunity we are now lucky enough to have. That is: to move to a Paraguay and there begin a second life, carefree.
In Paraguay you may begin new economical projects, take advantage of tax opportunities for families and pensioners, who decide to move here.
For this reason we are glad if people ask us questions. Indeed, our answers allow people to save time, money, efforts etc…..If those people need, we are substitutes of them and manage their documents for residence or we also rent an house for them on their arrival etc….
In Paraguay what are the main differences you could find at work and in lifestyle, if compared to Italy?
The very first shock you receive when you get to Asunción is quiet. No traffic jam, no smog, no hurry, no stress.
This is good for body, but for soul too. Despite of this, it requires an adaptation, because in Paraguay people are relaxed in the same way. In Paraguayan language the word “now” does not have the same meaning it has for example, in Italian language. In Italian “now” means “right now, immediately”, while in Paraguayan language the word “ahorita” is used to describe an “undefined” moment of the day.
I think that Paraguay is a great country to live in, especially for us Italians, North Americans or Europeans, who come from a society always full of tensions and conflicts.
What else did you notice about local society? (Economy, crisis, security, immigration, family, politics, culture etc…).
In Paraguay people are very friendly, but they do not interfere in your affairs. I’ll tell you more: people do non interfere and even the Government does not. But there is a very strong sense of community. When I lived in Milan, I hardly knew my neighbours. Our only relationship was a nice “Hello” in the lift. On the contrary in Paraguay once I came home late from work and I found my neighbour’s daughter, a little child with a soup and some “chipa” bread, just in case I had nothing in.
Living and working in Paraguay: why is it better than in Italy and why is it worst than in Italy?
Technology and comforts are very similar. For example, Paraguay took advantage of the leap-frogging technology to move to 4G. In addition, in this country you may find all types of technological devices. In any case, you understand that Paraguay is a country still growing up. It is neither a positive fact nor a negative one. It is only a great opportunity to use in the best way.
Paraguayan professionals speak English and Spanish perfectly, but about street people you have to safeguard their background, that is certainly different. And you need to be open-minded, in other words cosmopolitan, to do this. I must add that liberal policies of Paraguayan Government promote many private initiatives. In this way you can DO, while in Italy or in Europe you were still stopped by an endless bureaucracy coming from the past.
Do you know many Italians living in Asunción? Do you see them?
I must say that gradually Italians are more and more. In Asunción a little community of Italians is being formed.
In any case, especially here in South America there are several families from Italy and they have been living in Paraguay for over three generations.
What do you think of Italy? You remember Italy, do you long for it? What do you miss about Italy?
No doubt, I think that Italy is my country. But I also think that Italy is not a jealous country. On the contrary, one of the reasons that make Italy so great internationally are just Italians moving from Italy. And only best people know they are not unique.
What are your future projects?
Firstly, I want to help my fellow countrymen who wish to begin a second life and in this way they can give something back to Italy.
Secondly, I want to keep enjoying this life I am grateful for and then increasing my affairs. In this way I can help Italians and other people in other parts of the world.
What would you recommend to people wishing to follow in your footsteps and to move and work in Paraguay?
First of all they should not be afraid. Every day we see many people who thought that beginning a new life would be more traumatic. On the contrary they personally saw that everything was ok and it was easier than they thought.
Secondly: people should look for a professional advice not necessarily ours, even if we are the best on market, but they should find a sure e professional advice. They should find someone who stands by them, someone who understand their needs and first of all someone who knows where they come from and where they finally arrived.
Thirdly: people should visit our blog where they can find many useful advices and information about Paraguay. (www.livinginparaguay.com)
What job, activity or investment should you recommend to an Italian living in Paraguay?
For investors there are many tax benefits and a very sound socio-economic structure that is waiting to be discovered.
Paraguay is a country rapidly growing and with a minimum unemployed rate, I am sure everyone can easily find a solution.
