AGP Executive Report

National Budget: Paraguay’s Economy Minister Oscar Lovera presented Congress with a proposed 2027 General National Budget of ₲166.3 trillion (about US$27.7B), up 11.5% from 2026, with major allocations for health (₲18.2T), education (₲10.4T, including teacher pay and the escalafón docente), social programs for vulnerable children (₲65B), and infrastructure plus debt obligations. Diplomacy & Trade: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit $220M in 2025 and could reach about $300M in 2026, helped by efforts to make the “Paraguayan origin” visible to shoppers. Sports (Paraguay on the pitch): Singapore will host the “Mizuho Blue Challenge” in November, with Paraguay facing Singapore on Nov 13 and Paraguay also set to play Japan and Brazil in the tournament schedule. Culture: Asunción’s Symphony Orchestra (OSCA) holds a free Sept 3 concert at Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane, featuring Beethoven, Grieg, and Bernstein, with guest conductor Leon Burke III and pianist Nicole Kennedy López.

National Budget 2027: Paraguay’s Economy Minister Oscar Lovera presented a ₲166.3 trillion (about US$27.7B) 2027 General National Budget to Congress, up 11.5% from 2026, with major boosts for health (₲18.2T), education (₲10.4T, including teacher pay), social programs for vulnerable children (₲65B), and infrastructure plus debt coverage. Culture & Community: Asunción’s OSCA will host a free Sept. 3 concert at Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane featuring guest conductor Leon Burke III and pianist Nicole Kennedy López, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 among the highlights. Film & Local Identity: The Paraguayan comedy “Timoteo: El Loro Que Se Volvió Santo” opens Sept. 3, set in the Sajonia neighborhood and centered on faith, friendship, and an unusual parrot. International Ties (Beef & Diplomacy): Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel Alejandro Rubin says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit $220M in 2025 and could reach about $300M in 2026, while pushing broader cooperation beyond trade. Sports (Paraguayan spotlight): At the U.S. Open, Frenchman Gael Monfils beat Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a birthday win, keeping his farewell run alive.

US Open Spotlight: Gael Monfils marked his 40th birthday with a comeback win over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0, becoming the oldest man to win a U.S. Open singles match since Jimmy Connors in 1992. Sports & Paraguay Connection: The match put Paraguay’s Vallejo in the spotlight on a major stage, even as Monfils’ farewell season continues. International Football: Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger announced his retirement from international football after 86 caps, with Germany’s 2026 World Cup exit to Paraguay cited as his last appearance. Regional Health & Work: Paraguay’s doctors’ union leader Rossana González defended her medical training in Cuba amid social media attacks while pushing forward with a public-sector doctors’ strike. Local Economy Watch: Paraguay-linked trade and policy debates continue in the region as global currency and commodity pressures stay in focus.

Paraguay Politics: The Senate approved a bill creating a National Evangelical Church Day, set for the last Sunday of October each year (not a public holiday), aiming to recognize the community’s cultural, social, educational, humanitarian and spiritual contributions. Rally Paraguay: Indian duo Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif grabbed a third straight WRC3 podium with third place at Rally del Paraguay, bouncing back after an early setback and penalties; the next stop is Rally Chile (Sept. 10–13). Asunción Culture: In “People of Asunción #27,” biologist Mariana Martínez shares her love for the Costanera waterfront and her work in mycology and botany. Sports Spotlight: Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger announced he’s retiring from Germany’s national team after 12 years and 86 caps, with his last match including Germany’s World Cup exit against Paraguay. International Travel: The U.S. State Department updated a Brazil travel advisory, warning of crime risks and advising extra caution in urban areas and at night.

Health Strike: More than 300 Paraguayan doctors submitted resignations in support of a public health strike, demanding major improvements to the system; the health ministry says collective resignations won’t be accepted. Sports & Culture: Paraguay’s Evangelical Church Day was approved by the Senate, set for the last Sunday of October each year. Regional Spotlight: Paraguay is set to host an opening match of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with SBS securing exclusive free-to-air rights in Australia and the tournament spread across six host nations including Paraguay. Diplomacy & Trade: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel pushed for more Israeli tourism and highlighted beef exports, aiming to keep commercial ties strong. International Moves: Reports say Everton is close to signing USMNT striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco, while ICE expanded “third-country” deportations to multiple African nations. Global Watch: The EU suspended Brazilian meat imports over animal health and antibiotic compliance concerns, affecting poultry, meat, eggs and more.

Health Strike Escalates: More than 300 public-hospital doctors in Paraguay submitted resignations in support of a week-long health strike, demanding major improvements to the public system; health officials said collective resignations won’t be accepted. Rally Paraguay Spotlight: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña met FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the WRC Rally del Paraguay, celebrating motorsport growth and a new chapter for rallying; meanwhile, Toyota crews were shaken by a violent crash that led to a cancelled penultimate stage, but Aaron Johnston and Takamoto Katsuta said they’re “good to go” for the next round. Asunción Traffic Update: Works on Avelino Martínez Avenue trigger new diversions starting Monday, with crews guiding drivers around the construction zone. Investing in Paraguay Forum: The Asunción Times’ Investing in Paraguay Forum returns Sept. 7, focusing on sectors tied to the Paraguay Investor Pass (stock market, real estate, tourism). Local Innovation: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform to match students with scholarships that fit their profile. Sports & Culture: Paraguay’s Yvyja’u Moroti bird series highlights the rare “ghost of the grasslands,” while Miss Teen International 2026 crowned Cuba’s Jhoanna Uranga, with Paraguay’s Giuliana Ocariz placing second runner-up.

Rally Paraguay Spotlight: Sami Pajari made WRC history with a third straight win, cutting Elfyn Evans’ lead to 20 points after a brutal, attritional event where the penultimate stage was cancelled following Takamoto Katsuta’s violent crash; Hayden Paddon backed up his return to top-tier gravel with a “proper podium” second place, while Adrien Fourmaux finished third and pushed Hyundai up in the manufacturers’ standings. FIA & Local Pride: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña and FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem celebrated the rally’s growth, with around 300,000 fans and a new era for rallying under the FIA’s long-term commercial rights deal. Sports Diplomacy: Sébastien Ogier publicly apologized to FIA president Ben Sulayem and President Peña after an “out of line” interaction at Rally Paraguay tied to his concerns over WRC tyres. Trade & Health: India urged Brazil for more predictable pharma regulation to boost exports, while Argentina committed to reduce barriers for Indian pharma entry. Border Security: Brazil reported a surge in seizures of illicit weight-loss drugs along the Paraguay border, as demand for GLP-1 medicines fuels organized smuggling.

Rally Paraguay Spotlight: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña joined FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the WRC Rally del Paraguay, where the event drew about 300,000 fans and was framed as a new era for rallying, with talks on boosting young drivers and grassroots access. Tax Boost: Paraguay’s National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNIT) says it collected an extra ₲11.5 trillion (about US$1.53B) in three years, lifting the tax-to-GDP ratio from 9.1% to 11.2% by end-2025 after merging tax and customs. Trade & Exports: Paraguay reported 75 products reaching 43 new destinations in the first seven months of 2026, including first shipments to Nepal and new flows like biodiesel to Singapore. Culture & Community: Asunción’s La Recova artisans are set to move into a temporary home at the Asunción Port Cultural Centre while restoration continues, with a festive opening and performances. Border Drug Crackdown: Brazil says seizures of unauthorized weight-loss drugs surged along the Brazil-Paraguay border, warning that buyers may face serious health risks from informal products.

Rally Paraguay Update: Toyota’s Sami Pajari tightened his grip on the WRC lead, extending it to 22.8 seconds after stormy conditions battered the service park while the gravel stages stayed mostly dry; Hayden Paddon sits second and Elfyn Evans remains in the fight for third as Adrien Fourmaux pushes behind. WRC Business Watch: The WRC’s new commercial owners say they’ll grow the championship and boost media and fan access, but insist the sport’s “DNA” won’t change. Health & Labor: Paraguay’s public-sector doctors ended a five-day strike without a deal, with 86% of specialists at the main pediatric hospital announcing resignations if demands aren’t met. Tax Authority: Paraguay’s National Directorate of Tax Revenues says collections rose by ₲11.5 trillion (about US$1.53B) in three years, lifting the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11.2% by end-2025. Local Life & Culture: Expo Yguazú 2026 opened in Asunción with free entry until Aug. 30, celebrating the district’s 65th anniversary and 90 years of Japanese immigration. Travel: Avianca will start daily Asunción–Bogotá flights in late October 2026, adding capacity for regional connectivity.

Public Health & Labor: Paraguay’s public-sector doctors ended a five-day strike without a government deal, as 86% of specialists at the main pediatric hospital (141 of 164) announced resignations, raising fresh pressure on hospitals. Tax & Economy: Paraguay’s National Directorate of Tax Revenues says it collected an extra ₲11.5 trillion (about US$1.53B) in three years, lifting the tax-to-GDP ratio from 9.1% to 11.2% by end-2025, after merging tax and customs into the DNIT. Aviation & Connectivity: Avianca will start daily flights between Asunción and Bogotá in late October 2026, boosting regional links with Airbus A320 capacity. Culture & Commerce: Expo Yguazú opened at Plaza de la Amistad with 100+ companies and runs until Aug. 30, marking the 65th anniversary of Yguazú and 90 years of Japanese immigration. Sports (WRC Paraguay): Sami Pajari took the Rally Paraguay lead after a punishing opening day packed with punctures and crashes, with Hayden Paddon close behind and rain expected to shake things up further.

World Rally Championship (Rally Paraguay): Sami Pajari took the lead after a brutal opening day packed with punctures, delaminations and retirements. Pajari finished Friday 11.9 seconds ahead of Hayden Paddon, with championship leader Elfyn Evans salvaging third after tyre trouble. Motorsport diplomacy: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem met Chile’s president José Antonio Kast in Santiago to push cooperation on mobility and motorsport, including road safety and sustainable transport, and Chile signed the FIA “United Against Online Abuse” charter. Regional sports trade: The US temporarily waived beef tariffs for Brazil and Paraguay for 90 days starting Sept. 1, aiming to keep prices down, while excluding countries with their own US quotas like Argentina and Uruguay. Paraguay-linked auto IP: Toyota filed trademarks for “Avalon” in Paraguay, alongside other dormant nameplates, hinting at brand protection planning rather than an immediate local launch.

Beef Market Outlook: Minerva Foods says structural beef production declines in the U.S. and Europe are pushing more global supply toward South America, highlighting Brazil and Paraguay’s “renewing” cattle cycles and efficiency gains. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru signed a strategic minerals pact aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese processing by coordinating lithium, copper, and rare-earth supply chains. Paraguay Energy & Bitcoin: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is already consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s power, raising fears of an energy crunch by 2029 as hydrology and mining contracts remain uncertain. Rally Paraguay Buzz: WRC drivers are calling Rally del Paraguay a potential “lottery,” with heavy rain forecasts threatening punctures and slippery conditions on the red-clay gravel. Culture in Caaguazú: Suena Caaguazú brings 70+ music delegations to Caaguazú, with major performances and workshops celebrating Paraguayan musical figures.

Energy & Economy: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is already consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s electricity, raising fears of an energy crunch by 2029 if hydropower conditions stay favorable, while contracts tied to miners face uncertainty after 2027. Defense & Diplomacy: Paraguay is negotiating with Taiwan to restore a jet combat capability, with talks reportedly focused on F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers for deliveries starting around 2027. Sports (Local): Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill has been unveiled at Lille after a standout World Cup run, while Cerro Porteño brings back Gustavo Costas for a second stint to lift results. Sports (Rally Paraguay): WRC crews expect Rally Paraguay to be a “lottery” as heavy rain could turn the gravel event into something like a second Safari, with slippery stages and puncture risk. Culture & Events: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with immersive tech art, VR/AR and live performances across two days. International Trade: U.S. tariff relief on imported lean beef is stirring debate, with Paraguay named among potential suppliers in the broader “other countries” quota.

Football & Paraguay Abroad: Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill has been unveiled by French Ligue 1 club Lille, signing through 2031 after standout 2026 World Cup performances for Paraguay. Sports Update: Boca Juniors says Paraguayan forward Adam Bareiro will undergo surgery for a lumbar disc herniation, with a return unlikely before 2027. Local Football Leadership: Veteran Argentine coach Gustavo Costas returns to Cerro Porteño for a second spell, aiming to lift the club from ninth place. International Diplomacy: Paraguay has renewed its push for Brazil to return the Cañón Cristiano and other War of the Triple Alliance trophies and documents, framing it as a way to “turn the page.” Culture & Community: EXPYFEST 2026 opens in Asunción with immersive tech art, VR/AR and live performances across two days. Public Life: Areguá hosts its first FIDE-rated chess grand prix this weekend, with players from Paraguay and neighboring countries. Economy Watch: Infrastructure spending in Paraguay’s region (reported elsewhere) is under pressure, with June disbursements down sharply due to stricter validation and audits.

Football Coaching: Gustavo Costas is back at Cerro Porteño for a second spell, replacing Ariel Holan after a rough run; Costas says he’ll raise intensity as the club sits ninth in the Primera División. Public Health: Baylor says a tuberculosis case reported in the Waco area poses no ongoing risk to campus, with officials contacting people who may have had significant exposure for free testing. Sports & Paraguay Spotlight: The WRC-3 Rally del Paraguay kicks off Aug. 27-30 in Encarnación, with Indian driver Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif aiming to handle Paraguay’s fast, shifting-grip gravel stages. Local Economy & City Life: Asunción Port is set to reopen parts of its waterfront with a US$6M entertainment hub, converting four warehouses into a new public-private entertainment space before end-2026. Labor Rights: Paraguayan doctors begin a 96-hour national strike over stalled talks on public-system working conditions and weekly hours. Culture & Education: Applications are open for Paraguay’s 6th Biology Olympiad, with Aug. 31 the deadline.

WRC Paraguay Build-Up: Indian driver Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif are set for the Rally del Paraguay WRC3 (Aug. 27-30), after winning ARC3 in Rwanda; they’ll tackle fast, changing-grip gravel where precision and tight braking lines are key. Port Revamp: Asunción Port’s Puerto de Asunción is getting a US$6M entertainment hub, converting four idle warehouses into a new waterfront attraction with private investment, due before end-2026. Health Workers Protest: Paraguay’s public health professionals launched a 96-hour national strike over stalled talks on working conditions, including demands to equalize schedules to 12 weekly hours per contract. Education Deadline: Students have until Aug. 31 to apply for Paraguay’s 6th Biology Olympiad, with registration open online and two levels for different school years. Culture & Food: Kivevé, Paraguay’s Guaraní-rooted pumpkin dessert, is highlighted ahead of winter festivities. Diplomacy: Paraguay’s foreign ministry delegation met Taiwan officials in Taipei, discussing smart tech and an AI computing center.