Hagihara Industries invests in Paraguay with innovative BarChip technology

Santiago Peña President
Santiago Peña President | REDIEX

During a visit to the Hagihara Industries factory in Okayama, Japan, Javier Viveros, Vice Minister of Rediex, met with BarChip CEO Yoshiaki Hagihara. They discussed the company's decision to invest in Paraguay and establish its first production plant in Ciudad del Este, Alto Paraná.

BarChip is a brand of Hagihara Industries known for its structural polyurethane synthetic fiber technology. This innovation replaces steel in concrete, offering benefits such as cost reduction, faster construction times, improved environmental sustainability, and enhanced structural performance.

"We decided to establish a factory in Paraguay because the country has an excellent business environment for Japanese companies. The regulations are simple and clear compared to other South American countries, and we enjoy tax and tariff benefits within Mercosur," stated Mr. Hagihara during the interview.

The Yguazú SRL plant by Hagihara Industries was inaugurated in September 2023. It has a production capacity of 1,200 tons per year and exports to countries including Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, the United States, and Canada. The company views Paraguay as strategically important for future expansion and collaborations.

Mr. Hagihara noted another reason for choosing Paraguay: "The most important thing for me is that the Paraguayan people are very warm and friendly, and there are many Paraguayans of Japanese descent. That's why we decided to start a business in Paraguay."

Vice Minister Viveros expressed gratitude towards Hagihara Industries for their trust in Paraguay. He reaffirmed the country's support for foreign investments that promote development and technology while strengthening national industry and fostering sustainable growth.

Hagihara Industries' establishment with its BarChip technology positions Paraguay as an attractive destination for industrial investment in Latin America. It promotes innovation in construction and opens new collaboration opportunities within the region.