Asunción, Paraguay – In a move to bolster agricultural ties and address shared challenges, José María García de Francisco, a key advisor from Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, recently concluded a productive visit to Paraguay. The primary focus of the discussions was to enhance bilateral agricultural cooperation and navigate the complexities of emerging EU regulations.

Paraguay's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) hailed the visit as a significant milestone in the agricultural partnership between the two nations. Central to the dialogue were critical issues such as the Mercosur-EU trade agreement and the EU's new deforestation regulations. The latter, in particular, poses potential challenges to Paraguay's agricultural exports, notably soybeans, a crucial commodity for the Paraguayan economy.

Spain, a significant importer of Paraguayan soybeans for its livestock feed industry, sought assurances of a stable and uninterrupted supply. Both delegations engaged in in-depth discussions to analyze the potential impact of the EU regulations on Paraguayan soybean exports and explore strategies for compliance and mitigation.

"This visit has been exceptionally productive," stated the Spanish representative, emphasizing the commitment to ongoing cooperation and dialogue. "By working together, we can further strengthen our relationship and address the challenges ahead."

Beyond government-level talks, the Spanish delegation also engaged with key players in Paraguay's private sector, including representatives from the Federation of Production Cooperatives (Fecoprod), the Paraguayan Rural Association (ARP), grain exporters, and the National Animal Quality and Health Service (Senacsa). These meetings aimed to foster closer collaboration and streamline trade processes, particularly for soybean exports to Spain.

Both sides recognized the value of their cultural and linguistic proximity, highlighting the potential for enhanced knowledge exchange and cooperation. The visit underscored the shared commitment to sustainable agricultural development and the importance of addressing regulatory challenges through collaborative efforts. Moving forward, Spain and Paraguay are poised to deepen their agricultural partnership, ensuring mutual benefits and fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.