In a recent development concerning the Paraná River in Paraguay, discussions have intensified regarding a potential declaration of a hydrological emergency. This initiative aims to expedite dredging efforts along the river, a crucial lifeline for the nation’s economy, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The proposal for declaring a hydrological emergency was deliberated during a session of the Paraná Joint Commission (Comip) in Asunción. Patricio Ortega, Director of the Merchant Marine, emphasized the urgency of the situation due to adverse hydro-climatological conditions affecting the river. He highlighted the impact on more than 10 ports along the Paraná, where substantial quantities of agricultural products, predominantly soybeans, are exported annually.
Ortega lamented that the current conditions have led to a logistical crisis, with ports unable to operate at full capacity. This situation has resulted in filled silos and halted trucking operations, severely affecting the flow of goods through the ports.
The Paraná River plays a pivotal role in Paraguay’s economy, facilitating the export of millions of tons of products each year. Ortega underscored the importance of addressing the crisis promptly to minimize economic repercussions and maintain the competitiveness of Paraguay’s agricultural exports on the global market.
Looking forward, the Comip is scheduled to reconvene on July 11 to further assess the situation and plan additional measures. Ortega reaffirmed the significance of Paraguay’s merchant fleet, ranking as the largest in South America and third globally, following the United States and China. This fleet is instrumental in handling 80% of the nation’s international trade, supporting approximately 9,000 jobs in the river shipping industry.
Ortega attributed the growth of Paraguay’s river shipping sector to longstanding tax incentives that have attracted significant investment. These incentives have positioned Paraguay as a regional leader in fleet size and port infrastructure, contributing substantially to economic development.
In conclusion, the proposal for a hydrological emergency declaration underscores the critical need for immediate action to mitigate the ongoing crisis along the Paraná River. The outcome of the upcoming Comip meeting will likely shape future strategies aimed at restoring normalcy to river operations and ensuring the continued vitality of Paraguay’s agricultural exports.
