What is the role of the Ministry in the development of the country?

I believe that the main function of the Ministry of National Defense in the development of the country is, in an indirect manner; by cooperating in ensuring a safe environment in which society as a whole and each person individually can develop to their full potential. There is, however, also more direct involvement in the field of development.

I would therefore add that the Ministry’s main upcoming plans are:

◊ To increase the participation of the military force in taking social action and in supporting the national community.

◊ To increase the military force staff in issues related to environmental protection.

◊ To continuously support the population and national institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, in order to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

More than 66% of the 6,7 million inhabitants of Paraguay are less than 30 years old, Paraguay has therefore one of the youngest populations of Latin America. Is this perceived as an opportunity to boost economic growth?

The demographic bonus has been an important element for the economic development of the countries all over the world. The fact that a greater part of the population is “economically active” and young is a significant advantage because we can enjoy this momentum, talent and new capabilities to the benefit of society. If the demographic advantage is not properly used, it can eventually become a problem when a greater portion of the population does not generate revenues for their own future.

Paraguay is the only country of Latin America with a positive economic outlook for 2016, according to the agency of qualification of risk Standard and Poor’s. How has Paraguay managed to achieve this economic growth?

After the bank’s mid-90s crisis, the Paraguayan financial sector and the regulating agencies committed themselves to ensure macroeconomic stability, which led to legal reforms that allowed them to lay the foundations of a stable economy. Even the Brazil Development Bank granted soft loans to Brazilians who were willing to invest in companies and business on the eastern border of Paraguay. The system of agricultural production on a large scale and with a high level of mechanization, together with the increase in the commodities prices, resulted in a wave of investments in Paraguay.

The fact that a greater part of the population of Paraguay is “economically active” and young is a significant advantage, because we can enjoy this momentum, talent and new capabilities to the benefit of society.

What are the most attractive sectors and which are the most in need of foreign investment?

The infrastructure development is among the most relevant: some important efforts and improvements have been addressed today, but there is still much to be done. Motorways, international routes, bridges, railroads, ports and airports are still required in many areas of the country in order to interconnect towns and cities, and to ease the transportation of people and goods.
Another interesting area for investment is the ICT sector and its unlimited opportunities for innovation. Here the “demographic bonus” can play a vital role.

◊ More than 66% of the 6,7 million inhabitants of Paraguay are less than 30 years old, Paraguay therefore has one of the youngest populations of Latin America.

◊ Paraguay is the only country in Latin America with a positive economic outlook for 2016, according to the agency of qualification of risk Standard and Poor’s.