Paraguay; Moody’s Reaffirms Investment Grade; Ecuador and Paraguay Forge Security Alliance; Paraguay Climbs to Sixth in Business Tourism.

Friday, July 31, 2026. Paraguay This week, we’re heading to the very heart of South America to shine a spotlight on Paraguay, a country that may not always make international headlines but has a remarkable story to tell. Often referred to as the “Heart of South America” not only because of its central location but also because of the warmth of its people, Paraguay is a nation where tradition, resilience, and opportunity come together in fascinating ways. One of the few countries in the world with two official languages, Spanish and Guaraní, Paraguay proudly embraces its indigenous heritage while continuing to grow as a modern economy. From the bustling streets of Asunción to the tranquil beauty of the Chaco and the Paraná River, the country offers an incredible blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Paraguay is also home to one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants, the Itaipú Dam, a testament to the country’s ability to think big and collaborate across borders. Its expanding agricultural sector, growing manufacturing base, and increasingly attractive business environment have positioned Paraguay as one of the quieter success stories in Latin America. Of course, no visit to Paraguay, real or virtual, would be complete without mentioning its passion for football, its world-famous tereré (a refreshing cold herbal drink perfect for warm weather), and the genuine hospitality that visitors often remember long after they’ve returned home. So, whether you’ve visited Paraguay before or are discovering it for the first time, we hope this week’s newsletter offers an enjoyable glimpse into a country whose greatest strength may simply be the character and spirit of its people. ¡Bienvenidos a Paraguay! Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Presidents of Ecuador and Paraguay Forge Alliance to Combat Crime The presidents of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, and Paraguay, Santiago Peña, announced on Wednesday what they described as a “strategic alliance” to combat organized crime and address other shared challenges facing their countries. The visit marks President Peña’s first official trip to Ecuador since taking office in 2023, although the two conservative leaders have met previously during international events. Both also attended the inauguration of Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori earlier this week. During a joint press conference, Peña said the leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues, emphasizing that “Paraguay and Ecuador clearly understand that there can be no development or prosperity unless we are able to provide security for our citizens.” President Noboa stressed the importance of regional unity, stating that Latin American nations have a responsibility to work together to strengthen competitiveness and confront common threats, rather than allowing criminal organizations to exploit divisions. The two governments signed several agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including public security, defense, technical and military cooperation, cybersecurity, and public order. According to Ecuador’s presidency, the agreements also include an extradition treaty designed to streamline judicial cooperation, along with measures covering air services, the reciprocal recognition of driver’s licenses, and expanded trade relations. Both Ecuador and Paraguay are members of the “Shield of the Americas” initiative, launched by the United States to strengthen regional cooperation against narco-terrorism and transnational organized crime. Ecuador has experienced a sharp rise in organized crime over the past five years, with criminal groups linked to international drug trafficking networks taking advantage of the country’s strategic location along Pacific drug trafficking routes to North America, Central America, and Europe. The country recorded more than 9,000 violent deaths in 2025, one of the highest homicide figures in the region. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Moody’s Reaffirms Investment-Grade Rating In its assessment released on Friday, Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing the country’s credible monetary policy, consistent record of price and external stability, and political stability as key strengths supporting its credit profile. The rating agency stated that these factors help maintain Paraguay’s relatively low exposure to risks that could significantly affect its ability to meet its financial obligations. Moody’s also highlighted Paraguay’s recent economic performance, noting that strong economic growth remains one of the country’s key credit strengths. The agency forecasts GDP growth of approximately 4.5% in 2026, supported by continued public infrastructure investment and significant private-sector projects that are expected to promote higher value-added industries and further diversify the economy. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s assessment that the country’s credit risks remain balanced. According to the agency, increasing economic diversification, sustained public and private investment, and effective fiscal and monetary policies provide Paraguay with greater resilience to potential external shocks. However, Moody’s also pointed to climate-related risks, given the country’s reliance on agriculture and hydroelectric power generation, as factors that could affect future economic performance. On the fiscal front, the agency identified Paraguay’s relatively low and stable public debt as a major strength, while noting challenges such as the government’s limited revenue base and the share of debt denominated in foreign currency. Moody’s also emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen public financial management and institutional capacity. The agency further acknowledged the government’s plans to regularize outstanding obligations recognized in 2026 and improve public financial management by better aligning the national budget with financial planning and enhancing spending oversight and control mechanisms. With the confirmation of its Baa3 rating and stable outlook, Paraguay remains within Moody’s investment-grade category. The country also holds a BBB- rating with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s, while Fitch Ratings maintains a BB+ rating with a positive outlook. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Expo Paraguay Showcases Livestock Genetics and Strengthens Agribusiness Opportunities Expo Paraguay has established itself as the country’s premier event for showcasing the progress of Paraguay’s livestock industry, a sector that not only drives beef exports but also creates significant business opportunities through advances in animal genetics. As the exhibition continues, industry leaders have highlighted the steady improvement in the quality of livestock presented at the event, noting that these genetic advances are translating into stronger commercial results for breeders and producers. Silvio Vargas, coordinator of the