ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Mike Eman and Santiago Peña Discuss Aruba-Paraguay Ties following a bilateral meeting in Lima focused on air connectivity, tourism, trade, exports, regional cooperation, and sustainability.
Prime Minister Mike Eman, accompanied by his delegation, met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña during Eman’s official visit to Peru.
According to the statement, both leaders expressed interest in strengthening relations between Aruba and Paraguay while identifying opportunities that could benefit both countries.
Air Connectivity Identified as a Priority
One of the central topics discussed was the possibility of improving air connections between Aruba, Paraguay, and the southern region of South America.
The absence of a direct air connection was identified as one of the main challenges limiting the development of Paraguay as a tourism market for Aruba.
Despite this limitation, the article described Paraguay as a market with potential, noting that a significant share of Paraguayan visitors choose hotel accommodations during their stays in Aruba.
This visitor profile was presented as attractive to Aruba’s tourism sector.
Opportunities in Trade and Exports
President Peña reportedly expressed interest in positioning Aruba as a commercial partner and a possible gateway for Paraguayan products entering the Caribbean market.
Products mentioned as potential exports included:
- Meat
- Food products
- Other goods suited to Aruba’s import-dependent economy
Aruba’s hotel sector, visitor volume, and need to import many products were identified as factors that could support a more direct commercial relationship.
Both delegations discussed how connectivity, logistics, and local demand could be examined to identify concrete trade opportunities.
Possible Engagement With MERCOSUR
President Peña also invited Aruba to explore closer engagement and possible forms of cooperation with MERCOSUR, the South American economic bloc of which Paraguay is a member.
According to the article, closer ties with MERCOSUR could create new opportunities for Aruba in:
- Trade
- Investment
- Regional economic cooperation
- Access to South American markets
No formal agreement was announced, but the invitation was described as a possible starting point for further discussions.
Regional Flight Network Expanding
Although Paraguay currently has limited connectivity with Aruba, the wider air network linking the island with Latin America continues to expand.
The statement highlighted growing operations by several airlines, including:
- Avianca: 14 flights per week
- LATAM: increasing from seven to 10 flights per week
- Copa Airlines: increasing from 17 to 19 flights per week
According to the article, these expanded regional connections could create more travel options for passengers from Paraguay and other South American countries through established airline hubs.
Argentina was also identified as a growing market for Aruba in the southern part of the continent.
UNESCO Recognition Adds Environmental Link
The relationship between Aruba and Paraguay recently gained additional significance through a session of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme held in Hernandarias, Paraguay.
During that international meeting, Aruba was officially approved as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, according to the statement.
The designation was described as covering Aruba’s territory and maritime area within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The recognition was presented as confirmation of Aruba’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainability, and balancing economic development with conservation.
Foundation for Closer Cooperation
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Eman and President Peña was described as establishing a new foundation for cooperation between Aruba and Paraguay.
Both sides identified potential opportunities in connectivity, tourism, commerce, regional integration, and sustainability.
According to the statement, continued dialogue could help bring Aruba closer to South American markets while creating mutual economic and strategic benefits.
