Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America, lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, bordering
Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest.
Eastern Paraguay, often compared to the Midwest in the United States in fertility, experiences substantial
rainfall. Grassy plains consume the west of Paraguay, which has a relatively arid climate. Paraguay’s
largest economic activity is based on agriculture, which employees more than 40% of the workforce.
Agriculture production represents approximately one-fourth of GDP and 84% of the country’s exports.
The country exports soybeans primarily – 35% of exports in 2004 – making Paraguay the world's third
largest exporter of soybeans. Paraguay exports approximately 85% of its soybean production to Brazil.
The majority of the country’s current soybean production is located in eastern Paraguay along the Parana
River. As indicated by the red star in the map of Paraguay above, the proposed construction site is
ideally situated with access to the country’s raw materials. With existing road and barging infrastructure
nearby, the site will have access to the surrounding agricultural region and will be able to move products
into neighboring markets. Buenos Aires, the preeminent location for exporting, can be easily accessed
via the site’s trade routes. Land and river transportation are readily available throughout the year. The
site’s excellent surrounding infrastructure, proximity to feedstock, and abundance of nearby grain storage
facilities make this site especially attractive. |
