On September 8, 2025, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña officially announced the completion of the border control facilities after visiting the "Bridge of Integration," which connects Presidente Franco in Paraguay and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. This marks a significant milestone, with the bridge's opening now in sight, 11 years after construction began in 2014.

The "Bridge of Integration," which spans the Paraná River, was constructed with a budget of $84 million (approximately ₩117 billion) through a bilateral agreement between Brazil's Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant and Paraguay. With a total length of 760 meters, the cable-stayed bridge features two main towers and 30 cables. It is expected to become a key link for logistics and human exchange between the two countries, alongside the nearby "Friendship Bridge."

President Peña, along with Brazilian officials including Governor Carlos Massa and Mayor Joaquim Silva e Luna, walked across the bridge, emphasizing the importance of integration. He stated, "The Bridge of Integration has been a long-cherished aspiration of the Paraguayan people for generations," and "its imminent opening will lead to a process of endless integration." He added that the bridge will play a crucial role in regional economic development and strengthening transportation connectivity.

The recently completed border control facility will be overseen by the Paraguayan Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) and operated by the National Tax Administration (DNIT) and the National Migration Directorate (DNM). Designed for cargo vehicles, private cars, and tourists, it will offer one-stop processing for customs clearance, inspections, and immigration procedures. Additionally, an "ANNP Cargo Terminal" will be located nearby to serve as a logistics hub for truck inspections and cargo handling.

The opening of this second bridge connecting Paraguay and Brazil is expected to significantly improve the flow of goods between the two countries. The existing "Friendship Bridge" currently handles an average of over 45,000 vehicles daily, leading to severe congestion. When the "Bridge of Integration" opens, cargo vehicles will be diverted to the new bridge, which will ease traffic on the "Friendship Bridge" and boost trade between the two nations.

Furthermore, the bridge is expected to positively impact the tourism industry in the tri-border region. Tourists will be able to cross the border more conveniently using the two bridges, making it easier to visit nearby attractions like the Iguazu Falls.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]