Hugo Swire opens UK’s new Paraguay Embassy
Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire hails opening of the British Embassy in Asuncion as symbol of UK’s continued engagement in Latin America
Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire has formally opened the British Embassy in Asuncion, Paraguay. Accompanied by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga, he hailed the opening a symbol of the UK’s continued engagement in Latin America.
This is a new beginning for the bilateral relationship as the UK returns to Paraguay after a break of eight years. Our Embassy will be used to engage and encourage British businesses looking to export to Paraguay. With high growth, a strong business climate and positive messages from the Paraguayan government on inward investment opportunities for British companies are increasing.
Mr Swire said:
The Foreign Secretary has made it one of his goals to halt the UK’s retreat in Latin America and increase our presence across the continent. Today’s Embassy opening in Asuncion is the next step in that important process.
It has taken fifteen months to get where we are today and I am delighted to be here to witness the start of a new stage in our relationship. This Embassy, and our new Ambassador Jeremy Hobbs, will help to increase awareness of the UK in Paraguay and will work closely with the new government of President Cartes to build and extend our links.
Over the last two years we have opened new missions in Recife and El Salvador as well as in Haiti in the Caribbean. It is only right that today we have done the same in Paraguay. The new Embassy is already actively supporting British companies looking to invest or expand operations in Paraguay. I look forward to hearing more good things as the Embassy continues to expand.
During his visit to Paraguay Mr Swire will meet with a number of government ministers and hear about the new government’s plans to promote investment, create jobs and reduce poverty.
Mr Swire will be accompanied by a small delegation of UK businesses which are either already operating or looking to invest in Paraguay and take advantage of President Cartes’ commitment to strengthen the business environment.
Further information
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