The first Expo Concepción opened with a projection, according to organizers, of generating more than US$13.5 million in business across the fair’s main sectors. It runs through Sunday, September 6, at the Nanawa Exhibition Grounds in Concepción, northern Paraguay.
Organized by the Paraguayan Rural Association’s Concepción Regional branch (ARP), the event brings together commercial, industrial and livestock activities, as well as artistic performances. The estimate was presented by Luis Villalba, the exhibition’s general coordinator and president of the ARP regional branch.
The Nelore carcass competition is one of the program’s main attractions, with more than 2,500 animals and projected revenues of over US$4.5 million, according to organizers. The cattle auctions scheduled for Friday and Saturday are expected to add more than US$2 million to the total business volume, based on the organizers’ projection.
The exhibition also projects, according to organizers, sales of more than US$3 million in agricultural and forestry machinery. In the automotive sector, which includes pickup trucks, motorcycles and cars, expectations exceed US$4 million.
The economic impact extends beyond the grounds, located about two kilometers from the city on Route PY05. Organizers estimate that more than 500 people are directly involved in preparing and holding the fair: more than 300 in security, more than 100 in cleaning, and more than 100 construction, painting and plumbing workers during the setup of the site.
Hotels, restaurants, retailers and small businesses are also expected to receive part of the demand generated by the event. Villalba said the fair represents a significant boost for the local economy, especially for smaller-scale activities.
Concepción Governor Liz Meza described the exhibition as a combination of productive and recreational activities and invited the public to attend. Mayor Celso Cañete highlighted its potential to create jobs, expand commerce and bring producers, traders and industrialists closer together.
Because this is the first edition, the business projection remains an estimate by the organizers rather than a tally of contracts actually signed. The goal is to turn Expo Concepción into a recurring trading venue and continue the economic opportunities after the seven-day program ends.