Paraguay and Brazil renew commitment to build international bridge over the Apa River

Statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications of Paraguay

This is an automated translation of the press release issued in Spanish

In a recent meeting held in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, authorities from Paraguay and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to the construction of a bridge over the Apa River, which will link the cities of San Lázaro and Puerto Murtinho. This strategic infrastructure project seeks to strengthen bilateral relations and improve regional integration.

The meeting was attended by the governor of Mato Grosso , Eduardo Riedel, local parliamentarians and the prefect of Puerto Murtinho, Nelson Citra, representing Brazil. On the Paraguayan side, the mayor of San Lázaro, Joaquina Azuaga, municipal councilors, departmental deputies of Concepción and Eng. Fabio Riveros, from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications ( MOPC ) attended.

During the meeting, the will to continue advancing in the efforts for the construction of the bridge was reaffirmed, a project agreed upon years ago between the presidents of both nations. “This agreement was signed a few years ago as a result of an understanding between the presidents of both countries,” Riveros commented.

In 2019, Paraguay enacted Law 6342, which approves the bilateral agreement for the construction of the international bridge over the Apa River. “That law was issued in 2019, just when the COVID-19 pandemic began,” Riveros explained, noting that the global health emergency delayed progress, but that the recent meeting revived joint efforts.

A key step to achieve the goal is the ratification of the agreement by the Brazilian Congress. In this sense, the Brazilian regional authorities, including Governor Riedel and Prefect Citra, committed to taking the necessary steps to this end.

Design and construction, by Paraguay

Paraguay assumed the commitment to fully finance the construction costs of the bridge, including the preparation of the necessary designs and studies. This bridge will not only strengthen integration with Brazil, but will also be part of the Bioceanic Corridor under construction between Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. “With the completion of this bridge in San Lázaro, the departments of Concepción and Amambay will be connected more quickly to the Bioceanic Corridor,” added Riveros.

The meeting concluded with the firm decision by the authorities of both countries to continue working in a coordinated manner to make the bridge a reality, which is of great relevance for economic development and regional integration.