Asuncion, 5 April 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan accredited to Paraguay, Muhammad Khalid Ejaz, met Marito Abdo Benitez, the President of the Republic of Paraguay.
The Ambassador presented his credentials to the President at a ceremony held at the Government Palace in Asuncion.
In the ceremony, the President of Paraguay received the credentials of 7 concurrent ambassadors. Other than Pakistan, these ambassadors were from Egypt, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Norway, and Slovenia.
Pakistan’s embassy to Paraguay is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Moreover, the Embassy in Argentina is also accredited to Uruguay, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Pakistan-Paraguay Relations
The two countries established relations in October 1967. Paraguay maintains relations with Pakistan through its embassy in Egypt which is accredited to Pakistan, and an honorary consulate in Islamabad.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Argentina states that “Pakistan’s trade with Paraguay is relatively small due to the size of the market and limited orientation among businessmen.” Major export products from Pakistan include textiles, sports goods, and surgical instruments. Bilateral trade in 2010 amounted to US$2.4 million per year and has grown each year.
Furthermore, Football is the most popular sport in Paraguay along with other South American countries. Pakistan is the largest manufacturer and exporter of football, and Paraguay imports a considerable share of them. Major Paraguayan exports to Pakistan pharmaceuticals.
In addition, the statement recognizes that “Our agrarian trade sector can exploit the potential available in Paraguay.” Currently, around 25-30 Pakistanis living in Paraguay are small to medium-scale businessmen.
Pakistan has a limited presence in South America due to a lack of cultural and political ties. However, Economic ties between Pakistan and the countries of the region are slowly growing. In 2006, Pakistan and MERCOSUR signed an agreement to promote and strengthen trade and commercial ties. MERCOSUR is a trade bloc consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
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