Paraguay accumulated US$10 billion in net foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2008 and 2024, with strong concentration in three sectors: non-financial services, manufacturing, and financial services. The data is from a study presented by the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) and the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR), which analyzes the sectoral distribution of capital flows and their implications for the country's productive structure.
In the most recent period, from 2020 to 2024, non-financial services absorbed 44% of the total invested, led by wholesale and retail trade, telecommunications, transportation — especially river transport and auxiliary activities — and real estate services. Financial services accounted for 25% of the flows, with emphasis on banks, insurance companies, and brokerages. Manufacturing, although with a smaller share than in previous years, still captured 22% of FDI, directed mainly to meat processing, production of oils and fats, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as auto parts and shipbuilding.
The primary sector, in turn, received 9% of investments, with growth in non-traditional activities, such as forestry and integrated agricultural systems. In 2024, the gross inflow of capital reached US$3.291 billion, but outflows of US$2.360 billion reduced the annual net balance to US$931 million. Capitalization and reinvestment of profits were the main drivers of this result, while negative net loans reduced the final amount.
Carlos Carvallo Spalding, president of the BCP, highlighted that the study reflects the institution's commitment to go beyond producing statistics, offering analyses to support public and private decisions. He cited macroeconomic stability, ongoing structural reforms, and the attainment of investment grade by Moody's and S&P Global Ratings as factors that reinforce the favorable environment for attracting long-term capital.
The report also included a regional perspective, with presentations by representatives from the central banks of Colombia and Costa Rica, who shared experiences on FDI attraction policies. According to the director of Economic Studies at FLAR, Carlos Giraldo, the global scenario for 2026-2027 will be decisive for the continuity of investment flows in Latin America.