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South America and South Atlantic Islands
Paraguay |
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Last updated: 5 January 2009 |
Country information
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Relations with Neighbours
Paraguay has friendly relations with all its neighbouring countries. It is however strongly dependent on the economies of Brazil and Argentina and is often overshadowed economically by its larger neighbours.
Paraguay is a founding member of Mercosur (the Southern Cone Common Market), along with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It is also a founding member of Banco de Sur (Bank of the South) an embryonic regional development bank.
Relations with the International Community
Paraguay and the EU
Paraguay receives a significant amount of non-reimbursable aid from the EU. Key areas of cooperation are protection of human rights, consolidation of democracy, reducing social barriers, good management of public resources, protection of the environment, trade liberalisation through a regional integration process, and cultural assistance.
Paraguay's Relations with other International Organisations
As a member of the WTO, Paraguay supported the launch of the Doha round and pressed for special attention for the needs of the developing countries. It is a member of the Cairns group and strongly supports efforts to fully liberalise international agricultural trade to ensure a fair market access.
Within the UN, Paraguayan forces have participated in UN peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and DR Congo amongst others.
Relations with the UK
Relations with the UK are covered by the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. The UK provides technical cooperation to Paraguay via the EU and has a small bilateral cooperation programme.
In 2007 the UK government ran bilateral counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics workshops for government officials. A cross-party group of UK MPs visited in September 2007. In 2008-09 the UK government is funding projects on access to information, and on the impact of biofuels on the social and environmental energy matrix, both with local NGOs. The British Government also provides annual scholarships to UK universities for post-graduate studies, funded by the Chevening Scheme. The scholarships targets subject areas within the FCO Strategy which are important for Paraguay's development, offering training in skills which would benefit the country on the scholar's return.
The Anglo-Paraguayan Centre, a private foundation, is active mainly in English Language Training. Cultural events also take place on their premises. The British Council cover Paraguay from their office in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
