SPECIAL REPORT
INTERVIEW
PARAGUAY
CAN BE A GATEWAY TO
LATIN-AMERICAN AND
THE CARIBBEAN REGION
In an exclusive rendezvous with
Diplomatist’s Business Editor Kanchi
Batra, Ambassador of Paraguay to India,
H.E. Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos shares
his perspective and vision on furthering
the bilateral cooperation between
Paraguay and India.
Q
T recent visit of the Vice President of India, M
The
Venkaiah Naidu to Paraguay was indeed signifi cant.
Ve
Shed some light on this visit.
Sh
This was the first high-level visit from India to
Paraguay since the establishment of diplomatic relations
in 1961. Vice President Naidu had a meeting with the
President of Paraguay, H.E. Mario Abdo Benitez, Vice
President H.E. Hugo Velazquez, as well as with the
President of the National Congress (Senate), H.E. Silvio
Ovelar. I am glad that, the meetings were warm and
friendly and there was a commitment from both sides
to strengthen and deepen relations.
The two sides agreed to explore new areas of
collaboration among others in hydel and solar energy,
health including traditional medicine, information and
communication technology, farming and agriculture
machinery, space and biotechnology, railways
and tourism-related infrastructure. Specifi c areas
discussed included agro-processing, the supply of
equipment like tractors from India, modernization
of the hydel energy sector, the supply of medical
equipment and generic medicine that could be useful
to the Paraguayan healthcare system.
Q
Are
A you satisfi ed with the existing engagement levels
between
the two countries? What more, according to
e
you,
needs
to be done to further expand the relations?
yo
The current situation in Paraguay generates multiple oppor-
tunities to deepen and strengthen relations with India and the
countries of the Asian region in areas of commerce, trade and
cooperation area. The current engagement level is satisfactory,
however more opportunities for the benefi t of both nations
should be unlocked. The Mission’s goal is to disseminate in-
formation on the excellent and competitive economic climate
that Paraguay has, connecting businesses from Infrastructure,
Education, IT, Mining and Agricultural sector.
Some of the signifi cant export items of Paraguay to
India, that the Mission would like to promote include non-
conventional oils like Sesame & Chia and organic products
such as Stevia.
PARAGUAY 2019 • 19