ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Officials from Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) recently held high-level meetings with representatives from Japan and Mexico to share experiences in industrial complex development as part of their efforts to advance industrial development and strengthen national competitiveness.

The meetings were attended by Vice Minister of Industry Marco Riquelme, Vice Minister of the National Directorate of Investment Promotion and Exports (REDIEX) Javier Viveros, Japan's Ambassador to Paraguay Katsumi Itagaki, and Héctor López Santillana, General Director of Guanajuato Puerto Interior (GPI) of Mexico.

The meetings, conducted both in person and online, focused on analyzing the GPI model, considered one of the most successful logistics and industrial park models in Latin America.

Key discussion points included strategic planning for industrial complexes, investment attraction, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

This initiative is part of the MIC's efforts to promote Paraguay's industrialization and foster a favorable environment for sustainable economic growth.

Authorities agreed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue with strategic partners such as Japan and Mexico to adopt and replicate successful models that drive national development.

In this regard, the MIC reaffirmed that knowledge sharing, innovation, and international cooperation are essential foundations for positioning Paraguay as an attractive destination for industrial investment.

In-depth Analysis of the Guanajuato Puerto Interior (GPI) Model:

GPI is a comprehensive industrial complex located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. It is considered an innovative model that goes beyond a simple cluster of industrial facilities, integrating various functions such as logistics, education, and business support. The success factors of GPI include:

Strategic Location: Connected to major highways and railways, and located near an international airport, maximizing logistics efficiency.
Comprehensive Infrastructure: Equipped with state-of-the-art communication networks, a stable energy supply system, wastewater treatment facilities, and other essential infrastructure for business operations.
Customized Solutions: Offers a variety of industrial spaces in different sizes and formats tailored to the specific needs and requirements of tenant companies, along with design and construction support services.
Business Ecosystem Development: Attracted various support facilities such as research and development centers, educational institutions, and financial institutions, creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation among companies.
Sustainable Development: Strictly adheres to environmental protection standards and promotes the use of eco-friendly energy, pursuing sustainable industrial complex development.
Active Government Support: The active investment promotion policies and deregulation efforts of the Mexican federal government and the Guanajuato state government have been a significant backdrop to GPI's success.
Expected Effects of Industrial Complex Development in Paraguay:

If Paraguay successfully benchmarks the GPI model and develops its own industrial complexes, the following positive effects can be expected:

Increased Foreign Direct Investment Attraction: Industrial complexes with attractive infrastructure and a business-friendly environment will be a key factor in attracting foreign companies' investments.
Strengthened Domestic Industrial Competitiveness: Modernized industrial facilities and efficient logistics systems will enhance the productivity and reduce costs for domestic companies, thereby strengthening their competitiveness.
Job Creation Effects: The establishment of new industrial complexes and the increase in tenant companies will create a significant number of new jobs.
Regional Economic Revitalization: The development of industrial complexes will stimulate economic activity in surrounding areas and drive the growth of related industries.
Technology Transfer and Innovation Promotion: Attracting foreign companies will facilitate the transfer of advanced technology and management know-how, and strengthen the innovation capabilities of domestic companies.
The Paraguayan government is expected to formulate and implement specific plans for its industrial development based on the insights gained from these meetings. Continued cooperation with Japan and Mexico is expected to be a crucial stepping stone for Paraguay to emerge as a successful industrial nation.