Within the framework of the implementation of the Work Programme for 2023-2026 of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), the economic recovery of the region is one of the main objectives. In this regard, activities have been programmed to promote the building of productive capacities, the development of regional productive chains, insertion into new markets and the generation of a diversified exportable supply.

Since 2020, SELA has been working with officials of the Vice-Ministry of MSMEs of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Paraguay (MIC) on the development of activities related to the project “Productive coordination for strengthening SMEs.” The joint work agenda consisted of virtual technical assistance, which allowed progress in the implementation of the methodology for identifying potential productive niches, mapping non-traditional export sectors, and determining trade complementarities at the intra- and extra-regional level of the Paraguayan economy.

Paraguay is one of the first three countries in the region to have completed the mapping of potential productive niches in the country, which constitutes a relevant input for the design of public policies that promote the development of the productive capacities of SMEs and the exportable supply. The event will present the results of the mapping (diagnosis) and will discuss experiences of productive development strategies and promotion of export sectors, the challenges from the private sector and potential lines of a roadmap.

1. Present the mapping of potential export sectors in Paraguay, focusing on goods with high economic complexity.
2. Disseminate a diagnosis of intra- and extra-regional trade routes that promote productive linkages with high economic complexity.
3. Discuss strategies to boost the identified potential sectors that will benefit Paraguay's SME business ecosystem.
4. Generate inputs to draw up a roadmap for the development of business ecosystems with export potential.

• Date: 21 March 2023
• Time: 09:00 - 16:30 (Asunción time | GMT-3)
• Place: Asunción, Paraguay (Auditorium Hall of the Ministry of Industry and Trade)
• Modality: face-to-face and virtual
• Registration form: https://bit.ly/3JryNTU
• Participants profile: public officials linked to Paraguay's productive and trade development policy; representatives of business and industry associations; representatives of international organisations based in Paraguay.
• Language: Spanish

Tuesday, 21 March 2023