Under the slogan “More unstoppable than ever,” the Young Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP Joven) officially launched the 11th edition of the “Paraguayan Like You” campaign, an initiative that seeks to strengthen the consumption of domestic products and highlight the efforts of Paraguayan industry. The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), Javier Viveros, Deputy Minister of Rediex, and Marco Riquelme, Deputy Minister of Industry.
The campaign, which will run from September 25 to October 25, was presented by the president of the UIP Joven, Eng. Francisco Martino, who emphasized that “today, national production is proudly displayed for what it is: synonymous with quality, effort, and belonging.” This edition incorporates a renewed visual identity that will be present on shelves and in strategic sales spaces, making it easier to identify participating products. During the event, the president of the Paraguayan Chamber of Supermarkets (CAPASU) emphasized that “almost 80% of what is consumed in supermarkets is of national origin,” reflecting the sector’s commitment to the local industry.
Vice Minister Marco Riquelme, one of the campaign’s founders, recalled the beginnings of “Paraguayo como Vos” as a response to the context of a strong presence of imported and smuggled products: “We wanted to show that what you’re buying can be Paraguayan. It was to give our industries the opportunity to raise the flag and proudly say: we are a national industry.” Riquelme emphasized that the campaign not only has an economic impact but also strengthens self-esteem, sovereignty, and a sense of belonging: “Things are made in Paraguay, there’s technology, and we’re at the top of the world in food, household appliances, and other areas. Today we sell not only in Paraguay, but also in Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and other countries.”
For his part, Vice Minister Javier Viveros, also a founder of the campaign, highlighted Rediex’s role in promoting Paraguayan industry internationally: “When we travel abroad, we look for our products in supermarkets. Today, the same thing happens in Paraguay: people go to the aisles to see what’s made in the country. We must be the main promoters of our products. This campaign is a fundamental platform for the growth and positioning of our country brand as an industrial nation.”
Engineer Eduardo Felippo, a member of the UIP board who has supported this initiative from the beginning, also shared his vision: “What we seek is for every person who buys a Paraguayan product to feel the pride of choosing ours. This country, which sometimes seemed forgotten, is demonstrating its strength, capacity, and products that can compete with any other country in the world. The campaign is not just a one-time action; it is a sustained demonstration that Paraguayan industry is what will carry us forward. From the young person who takes the bus to the elderly who are already retired, we all depend on it to some extent.”
The “Paraguayan Like You” campaign will expand this year to new economic sectors, including textiles, construction, and domestic gas stations. In addition to point-of-sale activations, special promotions, audiovisual content, and strategic alliances are planned to increase the visibility of domestic products.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reaffirms its commitment to initiatives that promote industrial development, competitiveness, and Paraguay’s positioning in international markets. The “Paraguayan Like You” campaign is an example of public-private partnership that strengthens the national productive fabric and celebrates Paraguayan talent.
