AGP Executive Report

Local Tech & Business: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7-8 in Asunción, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging tech, plus a new GUIDEX platform to help SMEs export. Community & Culture: Calle Cultura 2026 returns to Asunción’s Juan de Salazar Street on Sept. 5, turning the neighborhood into an open-air hub for workshops, performances, and family activities. Cybersecurity & Finance: A Brazilian-focused cybercrime group dubbed “Breeze Comet” has been breaching payment and banking systems to trigger fraudulent transfers, raising fears the same playbook could spread elsewhere. Energy Infrastructure: U.S. Massachusetts National Guard engineers carried out a joint renovation mission with Paraguayan forces at training sites near Asunción, supporting multinational exercises. Science Heritage: Paraguay remembers Jesuit astronomer Father Buenaventura Suárez, credited with pioneering sustained Southern Hemisphere sky observations. Crypto Safety: A Canadian crypto entrepreneur’s death in Paraguay spotlights rising “wrench attacks,” where physical coercion targets digital-asset holders.

Customer Tech in Paraguay: Paraguay will host the 16th Customer Experience and Innovation Congress on Sept. 7–8 in Asunción, with tracks on AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging tech, plus a new GUIDEX export-support platform for SMEs. Local Culture & Community: Calle Cultura 2026 returns to Juan de Salazar Street on Sept. 5, turning part of Asunción into a car-free arts and creativity hub for thousands of visitors. Cybersecurity in the Region: A Brazilian-focused hacking campaign (“Breeze Comet”) has been linked to fraudulent transactions by compromising payment and banking systems, raising concerns it could spread beyond Brazil. Trade & Tech Policy Signals: Italian exports to Mercosur jumped 21% in May after the EU-Mercosur agreement entered into force, with Paraguay among the fastest growers. Science Heritage: Paraguay marks Father Buenaventura Suárez, remembered as a pioneering astronomer and scientist who mapped the southern skies. Energy/Industry Tech Note: NuScale reports progress toward SMR commercialization after fabricating first-of-a-kind boron-oxide pellets for a passive safety system.

Paraguay–U.S. Tech & Training Links: Massachusetts National Guard engineers joined Paraguayan Armed Forces to renovate key training infrastructure near Asunción, supporting the Fuerzas Comando 2026 preparations. Crypto Security in the Region: A Canadian crypto entrepreneur’s death in Paraguay has renewed focus on “wrench attacks,” where physical coercion targets wallet access. Local Science Heritage: Paraguay remembers Jesuit Father Buenaventura Suárez, credited as South America’s first astronomer and a pioneer of sustained Southern Hemisphere observations. Power Infrastructure Basics: New explainer coverage compares distribution vs substation transformers—useful for Paraguay’s grid and procurement conversations. Health Tech & Regulation: NuScale reports progress toward SMR commercialization via first-of-a-kind boron-oxide pellets for a passive safety system. Bioinformatics Capacity Building: PAHO/WHO ran a regional course in Panama to strengthen genomic surveillance analysis, with Paraguay among participating countries. Trade & Diplomacy: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel highlights growing beef exports and broader cooperation, including water and innovation ties. Cybercrime Watch (Brazil): “Breeze Comet” targets Brazilian financial systems to trigger fraudulent payments, a risk model that could spread.

Cybersecurity in Finance: “Breeze Comet” has been infiltrating Brazilian banks and payment systems to trigger fraudulent transfers, using custom malware and privileged access to transaction infrastructure. Paraguay Science Heritage: Father Buenaventura Suárez, born in Asunción on 3 Sept 1679, is remembered as South America’s first astronomer and a key early scientific figure in the Southern Hemisphere. Diplomacy & Trade Tech: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, highlights growing beef exports and broader cooperation (including water and innovation) as a practical way to deepen ties. Crypto Safety (Local Angle): A Canadian entrepreneur’s death in Paraguay has renewed attention on “wrench attacks,” where physical coercion targets crypto holders’ access. Public Health/Research Capacity: A PAHO/WHO regional course in bioinformatics for genomic surveillance trained lab specialists from multiple countries, including Paraguay, to turn sequencing into public health action. Energy Infrastructure (Industry): New reports compare distribution vs substation transformers and dry vs oil-immersed options for safer, code-compliant indoor substations. Policy & Governance: Paraguay’s Senate advanced a bill creating a National Day of the Evangelical Church, now moving to the Chamber of Deputies.

Nuclear Safety Milestone: NuScale says it has fabricated first-of-a-kind boron-oxide pellets for its passive emergency core cooling system, a step toward small modular reactor commercialization. Paraguay-Israel Trade Push: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, highlights growing beef exports (about $220M in 2025, forecast ~$300M in 2026) and broader cooperation on water, innovation, defense, and technology. Cybercrime in Payments: A financially motivated actor dubbed BREEZE COMET allegedly breached Brazilian financial and retail/eCommerce targets to run hundreds of fraudulent transactions via compromised payment platforms. Scholarship Search Gets AI: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that matches students to scholarships based on their profile and eligibility. Bioinformatics Training for Genomic Surveillance: PAHO/WHO and partners ran a regional course in Panama to strengthen bioinformatics capacity for pathogen genomic surveillance, including participants from Paraguay. Public Procurement Reform: A draft set of General Public Procurement Regulations 2026 calls for a more data-driven, supplier-database approach and moves procurement toward automation. Crypto Security Warning: A Canadian crypto entrepreneur’s death in Paraguay has renewed attention on “wrench attacks,” where physical coercion targets access to digital assets. Currency Shock (Regional Context): The Philippine peso hit a new record low, underscoring how geopolitics and stronger US dollar conditions can ripple through regional markets.

Paraguay–Israel Trade & Tech Links: Paraguay’s ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman says Paraguayan beef exports to Israel hit $220M in 2025 and could reach ~$300M in 2026, after he pushed retailers to display Paraguay’s flag; he also points to cooperation beyond meat, including water, innovation, defense and technology. AI in Education: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that matches scholarship opportunities to a student’s profile and goals, aiming to cut through the scholarship search maze. Public Procurement Modernization: A legal piece argues Paraguay-style procurement should move toward data-driven planning and smarter automation, using supplier databases and category analysis to improve transparency and value for money. Cybercrime Watch (Brazil): Researchers report a breach campaign dubbed BREEZE COMET targeting Brazilian financial and payment systems, enabling fraudulent transactions via compromised payment access. Health Tech & Risks (Region): Reports highlight the boom in smuggled weight-loss drugs across Brazil’s borders, raising safety concerns as unapproved injections spread. Local Science Spotlight: A “People of Asunción” profile features Mariana Martínez, a biologist leading a microbiology lab and researching mycology and botany. Biodiversity & Research: A Paraguay birds feature spotlights the rare Yvyja’u moroti (white-winged nightjar), noting tiny known populations and key breeding sites in Paraguay. Investment Forum (Asunción): The Investing in Paraguay Forum returns Sept. 7, focusing on stock market, real estate and tourism sectors tied to the Paraguay Investor Pass.

AI in Trade & Local Business: A new Xinhua report shows how Yiwu’s wholesale market in China shifted from offline supplier hunting to AI-driven efficiency, with Paraguayan-linked South American trade among the beneficiaries. Health Tech & Regulation: Knight Therapeutics says Colombia’s INVIMA approved TAVALISSE (fostamatinib) for adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia, expanding access across Latin America including Paraguay in its regulatory pipeline. Paraguay Science & Research: The Asunción Times spotlights Mariana Martínez, a PhD biologist and microbiology lab head, tying local lab work to Paraguay’s broader environmental and academic ecosystem. Public Policy & Procurement Tech: A legal analysis argues Paraguay-style procurement rules are moving toward structured, data-driven planning and smarter automation, with supplier databases and category strategy. Genomic Surveillance Training: PAHO/WHO ran a regional bioinformatics course in Panama for human and animal labs, including Paraguay, to turn genomic data into public health decisions. Scholarship Matching AI: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that recommends scholarships based on user profiles and eligibility. Israel–Paraguay Cooperation: Paraguay’s ambassador to Israel pushes for practical tech and water cooperation alongside beef exports, including efforts to make origin visible to Israeli shoppers. Food Safety & Smuggling Risk: Reports highlight rising seizures of weight-loss drugs along the Brazil–Paraguay border, raising health risks from unregulated injections.

Genomic Surveillance Training: PAHO/WHO and the Gorgas Institute ran a regional bioinformatics course on genomic surveillance for epidemic and pandemic pathogens, bringing together labs from across the Americas including Paraguay. AI in Public Procurement: A new draft procurement regulation pushes Paraguay-relevant lessons from elsewhere toward a more data-driven, supplier-database approach and away from manual compliance, aiming for smarter automation in how the state buys. Scholarship Search Gets an AI Boost: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that matches students to scholarships based on their profile and goals, reducing the guesswork in finding the right programs. Paraguay Investor Pass Forum: The Asunción Times’ Investing in Paraguay Forum returns on Sept. 7, focusing on the stock market, real estate, and tourism sectors tied to the Paraguay Investor Pass for faster permanent residency. Border Health Tech & Risk: Reports highlight a surge in smuggled GLP-1 weight-loss drugs across the Brazil–Paraguay border, raising alarms about unsafe, unapproved injections. Local Science & Culture: Paraguay’s Senate advanced a bill to create a National Day of the Evangelical Church, while cultural updates include the temporary relocation of La Recova artisans to the Asunción Port cultural center during restoration.

Paraguay–Israel Trade Push: Ambassador Alejandro Rubin Cymerman is urging Israeli backpackers and shoppers to spot Paraguayan beef in supermarkets, reporting $220M in beef exports to Israel in 2025 and a forecast near $300M for 2026, with the goal of building durable trade links beyond politics. AI for Education Access: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that matches students to scholarships based on their profile, aiming to cut through the “maze” of eligibility and information gaps. Border Health Tech & Crime: Reports on the Brazil–Paraguay border show a surge in smuggled GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (semaglutide/tirzepatide), with health workers warning that informal injections can be dangerous and unregulated. Local Tech & Business Events: Asunción’s Investing in Paraguay Forum returns Sept. 7, focusing on the stock market, real estate, and tourism investment routes tied to the Paraguay Investor Pass. Science & Research Spotlight: A Nature Methods piece highlights a Kaggle challenge on particle picking for cryo-electron tomography, aiming to make structural biology workflows more reliable and scalable. Culture Meets Tech: The Asunción Port will host the temporary La Recova artisan space opening, blending heritage commerce with a modern cultural venue.

AI for education: Paraguayan entrepreneur Ana Merlo launched FellowBridge, an AI platform that matches scholarship opportunities to users’ profiles to cut through the “search maze.” Health tech & security: Reports on the Brazil–Paraguay border show weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide being smuggled in large quantities, raising serious safety concerns over unregulated injections. Energy & crypto: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s power, with a potential grid crisis looming by 2029 if contracts and hydrology don’t align. Defense & aerospace ties: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to restore jet capability using F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers, aiming for 10–15 aircraft starting around 2027. Science & research methods: A Kaggle challenge is spotlighted for improving particle picking in cryo-electron tomography, aiming to make structural biology workflows more reliable and scalable. Local tech culture: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with immersive tech like VR, AR, dome experiences, and interactive sound/visual formats.

Paraguay Energy & Crypto: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is already consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s power, with a potential grid crisis by 2029 if hydrology stays favorable and mining power contracts (set to expire in 2027) aren’t renewed. Border Tech & Health Risks: Brazil’s Federal Revenue reports a sharp rise in seizures of unauthorized GLP-1 weight-loss drugs along the Brazil–Paraguay border, as smugglers cash in on demand and lower prices—while health workers warn buyers may not know what they’re injecting. Defense & Aviation: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to rebuild its jet-fighter capability, considering F-5 and AT-3 aircraft for deliveries starting as early as 2027. Local Tech/Innovation Culture: Asunción hosts EXPYFEST 2026, an immersive art and tech festival featuring VR, AR, 360-degree sound, dome experiences, and workshops. Science & Research Methods: A Kaggle-based challenge on particle picking in cryo-electron tomography highlights how machine learning can make structural biology workflows more reliable and scalable. Sports Tech Governance: FIA leaders met Chile’s president and secured Chile’s entry into the “United Against Online Abuse” charter, as South America prepares for the WRC in Paraguay.

Bitcoin & Energy Watch: Analysts warn Paraguay’s bitcoin mining is already consuming about 30% of the country’s power, with a potential grid crunch by 2029 if hydrology stays favorable and mining contracts expire in 2027. Border Drug Tech & Health Risk: Brazil’s border seizures show GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are surging as contraband along the Brazil–Paraguay corridor, raising alarms about unsafe informal sourcing. Defense & Aviation Ties: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to restore jet capability using F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers, aiming for 10–15 aircraft starting as early as 2027. AI for Public Safety: A local council approved AI-assisted police technology systems (plus radios and traffic calming), highlighting how tech procurement is reshaping day-to-day enforcement. Immersive Tech in Asunción: EXPYFEST 2026 returns with VR, AR, 360-degree sound, dome experiences, and videomapping across two days at Asunción venues. Science Education: Paraguay’s Biology Olympiad registration is in its final week, with a 31 August deadline for students to apply online. Local Culture & Makers: Asunción’s La Recova artisan corridor is getting a temporary home at the port cultural center while the original building is restored, with a festive opening on 29 August. Rally Tech & Paraguay Spotlight: WRC3 Rally del Paraguay brings Indian drivers Dean Mascarenhas and Gagan Karumbaiah to their first gravel challenge in a Ford Fiesta Rally3.

WRC in Paraguay: Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital’s new WRC Promoter team, led by Eric Boullier, says it will grow the World Rally Championship and ERC with better fan access and media coverage—while insisting rally’s “DNA” won’t change. Paraguay Rally spotlight: Indian champions Dean Mascarenhas and Gagan Karumbaiah debut their first gravel WRC3 challenge at Rally del Paraguay in a PH Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta Rally3 across 22 red-clay stages. Tech for science: A Kaggle challenge tied to cryo-electron tomography’s particle picking problem highlights how machine learning can make detection more reliable and scalable for noisy, incomplete 3D reconstructions. Energy & crypto: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is already consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s power and could threaten grid stability and energy independence by 2029. Defense ties: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to restore jet capability using F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers, targeting 10–15 aircraft from 2027. Local innovation: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with immersive tech like VR, AR, 360-degree sound, and dome experiences. Health & research: New findings discuss pain prevalence in polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, pointing to underreported symptom burden and treatment gaps. Education: Paraguay’s sixth Biology Olympiad has a late-August deadline for student applications.

Culture & Tech in the Capital: Asunción Port’s Central Hall hosts the festive opening of La Recova artisans’ temporary space on Saturday, 29 August, keeping vendor activity running while the historic building is restored. AI for Science Workflows: A new Nature Methods report uses a Kaggle challenge to show how machine learning can improve particle picking in cryo-electron tomography, tackling noisy images and missing orientations. Energy & Industry Risk: Analysts warn Paraguay’s bitcoin mining already consumes about 30% of national power, raising concerns about an energy crunch by 2029 if contracts and hydrology don’t align. Defense & Smart Tech Ties: Paraguay’s deputy minister visited Taiwan to discuss AI computing and a Smart Technology Park, as Paraguay also explores acquiring F-5 and AT-3 aircraft. STEM Education: Paraguay’s Biology Olympiad (OPB) opens a final registration push, with a 31 August deadline for secondary students. Immersive Media: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with VR, AR, dome experiences, and interactive tech art across two days. Local Innovation & Heritage: Paraguay’s petitgrain oil supply remains a major global perfume input, with production centered in San Pedro and Cordillera.

FIA & Chile Pact: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met Chile’s José Antonio Kast in Santiago, boosting cooperation on road safety, sustainable mobility and motorsport, and Chile signed the FIA’s “United Against Online Abuse” charter. Paraguay Tech & Security: Paraguay’s deputy foreign minister Miguel Ángel Aranda visited Taiwan to push smart-technology and an AI computing center, while Paraguay is also reportedly negotiating for F-5 and AT-3 aircraft to rebuild jet capability. Energy Crunch Watch: Analysts warn bitcoin mining is consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s power, raising grid and energy-independence risks by 2029. Local Science: Paraguay’s 6th Biology Olympiad has a final registration window (deadline 31 Aug 2026). Culture + Immersive Tech: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with VR/AR, immersive dome experiences and electronic music. Sports Tech in Motion: Indian rally champions Dean Mascarenhas and Gagan Karumbaiah will tackle their first gravel WRC3 challenge in Rally del Paraguay.

Energy & Industry: Analysts warn that Bitcoin mining is consuming about 30% of Paraguay’s electricity, raising fears of an energy crunch by 2029 if hydrology stays favorable and if mining contracts (set to expire in 2027) aren’t extended. Defense & Tech Diplomacy: Paraguay is in talks with Taiwan to restore its jet capability, with reports pointing to F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers for deliveries starting around 2027, alongside plans for an AI computing center tied to the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park. Sports Tech & Governance: The FIA president met Chile’s president and they signed the United Against Online Abuse charter, as Paraguay prepares to host major rally events. Science & Education: Paraguay’s Sixth Biology Olympiad has a late-August deadline for student applications, pushing biology skills beyond the classroom. Culture & Heritage: Ita Letra’s mysterious rock-art tracks are in the spotlight as Paraguay eyes UNESCO recognition. Immersive Media: EXPYFEST 2026 returns to Asunción with VR, AR, dome experiences, and interactive art. Local Innovation: Absen and Polywall announced a partnership for control-room visualization using LED walls plus video-wall software.