Relations between Switzerland and Paraguay are good but remain relatively low-key.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Paraguay
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Paraguay have signed agreements on trade, investment protection and technical cooperation.
Since July 2012, all consular services in connection with Paraguay have been handled by the regional consular centre in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Since February 2016, the Swiss ambassador based in Montevideo (Uruguay) has represented Switzerland's diplomatic interests in Paraguay.
Economic cooperation
A relatively modest amount of trade takes place between the two countries. In 2019, Swiss exports amounted to CHF 20.5 million, while the value of goods imported from Paraguay – primarily agricultural products, precious stones and metals and essential oils – totalled CHF 23.4 million.
The negotiations for the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement were largely completed in August 2019.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers from Paraguay can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Under a mandate conferred by SERI, the University of St Gallen is currently coordinating research cooperation initiatives between Switzerland and Latin America.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Cultural exchanges
Switzerland takes part regularly in the Week of the Francophonie and the International Film Festival in Asunción.
In 1888 Swiss botanist and anthropologist, Moisés Bertoni (from Ticino), emigrated to Paraguay, where in 1899 he described the indigenous herb stevia now used as a natural sweetener. Today, a museum in Paraguay is dedicated to him.
Swiss nationals in Paraguay
At the end of 2019, more than 1,400 Swiss citizens were living in Paraguay.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland opened a consulate in Asunción in 1887 and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1892. Switzerland opened an embassy in Asunción in 1968. Since the closure of the embassy in 2016, the Swiss embassy in Montevideo has represented Switzerland's diplomatic interests in Paraguay. An honorary consulate opened in Asunción in 2016.
Links
Government of Paraguay (en,es)
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE
Swiss-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Leading House for the Latin American Region (HSG)
