Asunción, Agencia IP.- The signing of the Trade Agreement between Mercosur and the European Union in Asunción marks the beginning of a new stage in bi-regional relations, with an impact that goes beyond trade and extends to productive, technological, and strategic development. In an exclusive interview with Agencia IP, the Ambassador of Italy to Paraguay, Marcello Fondi, and the President of the Italo-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce (CCIP), Fernando Beconi, analyzed the scope of the agreement and Paraguay’s role in this new international scenario.

A «historic achievement» with long-term projection

For Italy, together with the other 27 member states of the European Union, the agreement’s conclusion represents a historic milestone. «Undoubtedly, for Italy, together with the other 27 EU member countries, achieving this agreement is a landmark success. A very deep one, which will have many consequences over the broad and long term,» Ambassador Fondi said in an in-depth interview at the Italian Embassy in Paraguay.

The diplomat underscored that Italy took part in the negotiations with a high level of commitment and recalled that Italian support was decisive at the final stage. «Thanks to Italy’s backing within the EU Ambassadors’ conference on January 9, Italy’s vote on the text conceived together with Mercosur partners was decisive,» he stated.

Fondi emphasized that the agreement is not an endpoint but a starting point. «This success also presents many challenges, and European and Mercosur countries must work closely together to get the most out of what this agreement provides,» he said, noting that while it is a highly technical instrument, it has concrete practical potential for both regions.

Paraguay and its specific interests within Mercosur

During the interview, the Ambassador explained that, although the agreement is between blocs, Paraguay has distinct interests within Mercosur. «We are relatively or substantially heterogeneous countries. None of the Mercosur countries has identical characteristics,» he said, contrasting the realities of industrialized economies with those of more focused on supplying raw materials.

In this context, Paraguay emerges as a key player in accessing European markets for food and raw materials. Italy, in particular, stands out as a strategic partner due to its leadership in industry, technology, and high-quality food processing. «Italy is a benchmark within the European Union,» Fondi noted.

One of the central points of the discussion was the agreement’s impact on access to European, especially Italian, technology and machinery. The Ambassador explained that Paraguay currently imports technology from a limited group of countries that enjoy tariff benefits, which restricts options.

Under the new framework, Italian machinery will be able to enter with better pricing conditions, financing, and access. «Italian machinery has high prestige, high quality, and also a high price,» Fondi acknowledged, but explained that the removal of tariff barriers will help narrow the price gap compared to competitors. This will create opportunities for both the Paraguayan industry and consumers.

From the business sector, Fernando Beconi pointed out that agriculture will remain the main beneficiary, in line with the country’s productive profile. «Undoubtedly, the agricultural sector,» he said, recalling that Paraguay is a global supplier of commodities.

However, he also highlighted progress in higher-value-added products. «Today we have a strong presence of specialties, including chia and sesame,» products that are already part of a differentiated export portfolio with significant economic and social impact. Several Paraguayan companies, he said, are now part of a select group of producers at the regional and global levels.

Beconi stressed that Paraguay’s positioning within Mercosur is supported by objective and cultural factors. He mentioned the strong Italo-Paraguayan presence, both demographic and business-related, and the profound influence of Italian civil law on Paraguay’s legal system.

«Paraguay is a country that has shown a great deal of economic and fiscal responsibility and stability,» he affirmed, noting that the country ranks among the fastest-growing economies in the region and holds investment-grade status. This is further strengthened by a predictable legal framework that enhances Italian investors’ confidence.

The Italian SME model and industrial development

Ambassador Fondi emphasized that Italy is not only seeking to export products, but also to share its productive model based on small and medium-sized enterprises. «The Italian productive system is built on the role of SMEs,» he explained, highlighting that this approach enabled Italy’s development and reduced informality, an ongoing challenge for Paraguay as well.

The Ambassador of Italy to Paraguay, Marcello Fondi, underscored that Italy took part in the negotiations with a high level of commitment and recalled that Italian support was decisive at the final stage.

Beconi was categorical in stating that Paraguay has the conditions to become a productive and logistics hub within Mercosur. Its geographic location, combined with the development of road and river infrastructure and a favorable regulatory framework, positions the country as a natural destination for industrial investment.

Italian interest is already reflected in concrete projects. Fondi confirmed the presence of companies operating in industrial, environmental, green economy, water treatment, construction, and river logistics sectors. He mentioned the return of the Italian company Salini and the recent establishment of an Italian firm in the logistics sector.

To further strengthen this relationship, he announced that a Paraguay country presentation in Italy is being prepared for May, while in March, the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, will visit Paraguay to advance the agreement’s implementation.

Finally, Beconi explained that Paraguay offers unique advantages within Mercosur for Europe’s commercial diversification strategy: tax simplicity, legal certainty, free movement of capital, political stability, and cultural affinity. «Paraguay is the option, or the best option, if not the only one, for anyone seeking a country that is advantageous in every sense,» he affirmed.

With the signing of the Mercosur-European Union Agreement, Paraguay and Italy open a new chapter in strategic cooperation, positioning the country not only as a supplier but also as a platform for industrial, technological, and logistical development in support of future bi-regional integration.

La entrada EU Agreement: Technology, SMEs and agricultural exports, the opportunities that Italy identifies in Paraguay se publicó primero en .::Agencia IP::..