Asunción, Paraguay – The Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP), with backing from the European Union's Al Invest Verde program, is spearheading a transformative initiative to guide Paraguayan enterprises towards sustainable and low-carbon production practices. This ambitious project aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate environmental regulations successfully while bolstering their competitive edge.

A recent visit by Cristina García de Quevedo Iñarritu, technical monitor of Al Invest Verde, underscored the project's progress and strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders. The initiative's core objectives include facilitating access to green finance, promoting the adoption of sustainable solutions, and enabling businesses to measure and reduce their carbon footprints.

"This project is unique in Paraguay and will have a significant regional impact. The European Union highly values Paraguay's leadership in implementing environmental policies and solutions," stated García de Quevedo Iñarritu, expressing the EU's unwavering support.

Central to the project's success are environmental managers who provide direct technical assistance to businesses, driving the adoption of sustainable practices. While some companies face challenges with documentation, ongoing awareness campaigns and support systems are addressing these issues, fostering compliance and enhancing sector-wide competitiveness.

Stella Guillén, representative of the French Development Agency (AFD), emphasized the critical role of green finance in enabling Paraguayan businesses to embrace sustainability. "AFD supports initiatives like Al Invest Verde to create tangible impacts and reinforce responsible growth in the production sector," Guillén stated.

Notably, since 2024, 50 companies have completed carbon footprint assessments, with 40 more currently undergoing the process. The European Commission has lauded Paraguay's high compliance rate with program indicators, positioning the country as a regional role model. Furthermore, the european union commission stresses the importance of building cooperative relationships to increase technical training and access to financial tools. This project is a important step for Paraguays industrial sector, in its move towards a more sustainable future.