“According to the economic indexes calculated by the IFO Institute of Germany and the Getulio Vargas Foundation of Brazil, Paraguay is favorably positioned over the other regional countries with an Economic Climate Index (ECI) of 135.8, even above Brazil which, according to data counted up to April, has an average of 82.5.

A few days ago, the mayor of Asunción, Arnaldo Samaniego, highlighted this fact, arguing that the country is facing an economic policy in which “opportunities are opening up for Paraguay more than ever”.

In 2013, Paraguay achieved the third highest economic growth in the world, with 14.1%. For this year, the outlook is 5.5% to 7%, driven mainly by industry and construction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, one of the pillars of this development is the so-called “maquiladoras”, companies that import parts and components of all products to be manufactured (assembled) in Paraguay and then exported.

Ernesto Paredes, executive secretary of the National Council of Maquiladora Industries, reported that 80% of exports are destined for Mercosur countries.

He detailed that up to May 15 of this year, maquiladora sales abroad amounted to close to US$ 80 million. In 2013, the total reached US$ 150 million.

The outlook, according to Paredes, is for continued growth: “Between last year and this year we have 17 new projects”.