Operator News
Paraguay – New bridge could lead to casino expansion
By James - 22 January 2024
According to local press the construction of a bridge between Brazil and Paraguay called Integration Bridge (El Puente Internacional de la Integración) will lead to significant investments in both public and private infrastructure including investment in casino projects.
The construction of the Integration Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay, along with a recent announcement of the construction of another bridge is expected to play a pivotal role in the Alto Paraná region a local official has gone on record as saying.
The construction of the new bridge over the Monday River is anticipated to take at least two years and will span 500 meters. This bridge will connect with the Integration Bridge which links Presidente Franco in Paraguay with Foz de Iguazú in Brazil. Presidente Franco is a city located in the Alto Paraná Department in eastern Paraguay. It is one of the most important urban centres in the region while Foz do Iguaçu in the state of Paraná, Brazil is a gateway to the Iguazú Falls. The international road link across the Paraná River cost around US$84 million and was completed last year.
The Public Works Ministry (MOPC) reported that complementary and necessary works are currently underway for the Integration bridge.
Iván Airaldi, the Paraguayan consul in Foz de Iguazú, Brazil highlighted the potential economic impact on the regional economy saying that more activity in the area could attract investments and drive developments in hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues.
“We are talking about a project of large-scale hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Developing this area of Presidente Franco will generate significant added value, enhancing the region with international access through the Integration Bridge with Brazil, leading to progress,” he told InfoNegocios.
Among the major projects contributing to the growth of Ciudad del Este and Presidente Franco is the Oráculo City Universal Island. This project, covers 245 hectares, includes a hotel, casino, theme park, golf course, and a technological and industrial thematic complex. The project aims to be a landmark for entertainment in the Triple Frontier, located between Ciudad del Este and Foz de Iguazú. The group behind this investment, Profumed Paraguay SA, also has other significant projects underway in Alto Paraná according to local press.
The construction of the Integration Bridge is expected to position Presidente Franco as a hub for economic development, urban growth, and infrastructure. The total investment in public infrastructure is estimated at $267 million, with an additional $100 million in private sector investment Airaldi said. The private sector investment includes hotels, warehouses, corporate offices, and duty-free facilities in the primary zone.
The Alto Paraná region is a department in eastern Paraguay, bordered by Brazil to the east. The Paraná River, one of South America’s major rivers, forms part of the eastern border. Alto Paraná is a vital economic centre due to its proximity to major international borders and trade routes. The region is a significant centre for cross-border trade, with many commercial activities focused on the movement of goods between Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.