By Enza Petruzziello
Paraguay is different from any other country in the world and it is really a land waiting only to be discovered. It is easy to discover Paraguay: it has a rich flora and fauna and a rich past and present history. A country with 6,8 millions of inhabitants, in the hearth of Latin America. It borders north with Brazil and Bolivia, east with Brazil and Argentine, south with Argentine and west with Argentine and Bolivia. Paraguay is divided into two regions and it has 17 districts. What makes Paraguay so special? It is simple to say: Paraguay offers many opportunities and it continues to attract investors worldwide. 70% of Paraguayan population is under 30 years old and Paraguay is ready for a continued growth, at least for the next decade. Asunción, the capital, is an extremely lively city, where new shopping malls are being built, while the existing ones are already full, thanks to new buyers in the conquest of international brands. The middle class is emerging and growing. Moreover, Paraguay remains one of the largest exporters of energy, sugar, charcoal, soya meal, beef, corn and wheat.
These data are confirmed by an interesting report of Ministry of Industry and trade of the National Government: Paraguay: land of opportunity. In this report, Paraguay’s opportunities and great results of the last years have been analyzed and highlighted. As you can read “At present, Paraguay is on of the best lands for investments; the country is in the Top 5 of “Doing Business” of the World Bank, which monitors the easiness of doing business in the different world economies. In addition, according to ECLAC, Paraguay is the second country with the best ROI (Return On Investment) in South America (22%). And more: Paraguay is one of the greatest food producers in the world and it also is a flourishing regional logistics centre. Following that, Paraguay has an economic system that is stable, predictable and reliable.
Paraguay’s recent history is characterized by its monetary stability of the last 70 years (Guaranì is the most stable currency in South America), by a GDP average growth of 4,5 in the last 10 years, by a long-lasting tax system 10.10.10 and by restored markets and alliances. But that is not all: Paraguay has an inflation not exceeding 5% in the last five years, and an increase of 60% of maquila exports, if we compared them to 2013. In Paraguay there is also an increase of foreign direct investments, new investments are coming in the capital Asunción (60%), but also incentives to generate new business.
As regards foreign relations, Paraguay is the first exporter of renewable energy, the 2° producer of Stevia, the 3° producer and exporter of Yerba Mate, the 3° exporter of soybeans, the 4° leading producer of soybean oil, the 4° exporter of yucca starch, the 5° leading exporter of soya cake, the 5° exporter of bovine meat, the biggest exporter of corn, the 6°producer of soya, the 10° exporter of wheat.
Paraguay has several available resources, starting with a very young workforce. Future prospects are good, its position is strategic and, above all, there is a low fiscal pressure. Finally, we must not forget low-cost quality raw material, low cost and clean electricity and an enviable economic stability.
Undoubtedly, agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the country and it is one of the main attractions for investors. As a matter of fact, the land in Paraguay is cheaper and more abundant than in the neighbouring countries, especially in the region of Chaco. In Paraguay, you can buy and own lands, invest in the agricultural product sector and acquire shares in sugar factories, cement works and textile industries, just to mention a few. A developing potential market is also tourism, that in the last years had increased strongly: in 2017 the number of tourists practically doubled and Paraguay offers excellent opportunities linked to development of tourism in many wonderful regions of the country.
Generally speaking, we can state that if a business man wants to invest in Paraguay, he/she finds a definitely open and growing market. Most industries and services are small. If you have ideas and skills to improve something that is already present on the market or, even better, to create something new, you will have a great opportunity to earn money. We advise you to focus on products or services at affordable prices, especially for under 30.
In short: Paraguay is a land of opportunity, work, progress and welfare and you have to add to this list, the simplicity and speed to obtain your permanent residence. Of course, the language could be an obstacle for you, especially if you are not accustomed to paperwork and bureaucracy. In this case, it is better that you rely on a serious and professional company locally established, that is professionals who can accompany you step by step. The most trusted company and also the sole European company in Paraguay is Living In Paraguay. It is a legal, administrative and financial consultancy and it will be able to offer you all the support and advice you need to move to this wonderful country of South America!
