The Minister of Economy and Finance, Óscar Lovera, confirmed that a disbursement of US$80 million will be made this week to settle debts owed to the pharmaceutical sector. According to the secretary of state, the government's total liabilities to this segment amount to approximately US$1 billion. This payment follows an earlier disbursement of US$100 million made in April.
Lovera announced that a factoring instrument, involving the assignment of accounts receivable to banking institutions, will be available in the coming days. The government expects to finalize its implementation this week and allow throughout June for suppliers to submit proposals based on agreements with financial institutions. The final volume to be assigned will depend on market demand, which is still being assessed by the government.
Once the amounts agreed upon between creditors and banks are determined, it will be possible to establish the remaining balance of the state debt. The plan envisages extending the payment term for obligations to financial institutions to 36 months, as immediate settlement was deemed unfeasible. The minister emphasized that the initiative aims to provide suppliers with better negotiation conditions.
The new mechanism is being developed jointly with the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) and represents not merely an administrative resolution but a commitment by the National Treasury. According to Lovera, the operation will feature characteristics similar to Treasury Bonds traded through the central bank, seeking to ensure security and liquidity for companies in the sector.