Cold chain logistics: the case of Paraguay and territories along the bioceanic corridor

This report analyzes the current state of cold chain logistics in Paraguay, with a specific focus on the departments of Alto Paraguay and Boquerón, two key regions located along the Bioceanic Corridor. The study maps the structure and capacity of the cold chain infrastructure, including refrigerated transport fleets, storage facilities, airport and port infrastructure, as well as the national vaccine distribution system. It also identifies logistical bottlenecks and infrastructure gaps that affect the efficient storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive products. The findings highlight that Paraguay has a functional baseline infrastructure for cold chain logistics, although its cold storage and transportation capacity is largely concentrated in the central region. Additionally, public ports currently lack refrigerated storage, and airports offer only minimal infrastructure for short-term handling. Nevertheless, the cold chain is not perceived as a constraint to the current production levels of refrigerated and frozen products. Similarly, it does not appear to pose an obstacle to potential increases or the development of new products in any region of the country. Lastly, the report presents a set of public policy recommendations and investment priorities to strengthen Paraguay’s cold chain. These include expanding infrastructure in underserved regions, developing credit lines for cold chain projects, designating a specific institution for licensing refrigerated chambers, centralizing existing records into a unified database, and offering specialized training courses for the cold chain. Closing the existing gaps could reduce post-harvest losses, enhance the resilience of the health system, and strengthen Paraguay as a competitive logistics hub in the Southern Cone.