Potential cooperation between SUA and the National University of Paraguay emerges
19.06.2025
"To discuss the possibilities of future cooperation was the goal of the delegation's visit from Paraguay, which visited the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra on June 17.
Ambassador of Paraguay based in Vienna Juan Francisco Facetti and the Rector of the National University of Asunción Zully Vera de Molinas introduced their country, as well as the university, which has 55,000 students, 9,000 educators, and is located in twelve out of the 17 provinces of Paraguay. 'Paraguay has 6.5 million inhabitants, but we produce food for 80 million people worldwide. The country is very fertile and we are also the fifth largest producer of beef in the world,' explained the ambassador. The newest study program at the university is mechatronics. Such a study program is currently being prepared at SUA as part of the AgroForestry project, which is just one of many points of intersection for possible future cooperation.
The Rector of the Paraguayan university liked very much that in the study programs at each of the six faculties of SUA, connections with agriculture can be found. 'Your model is very good,' she assessed, adding that it would certainly be applicable in Paraguay, which is an agrarian country. She also inquired about scholarship opportunities for Paraguayan students to study at SUA.
The Slovak University of Agriculture was presented to the foreign delegation by the Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Internationalization Lucia Palšová and the Director of International Relations Office Vladislav Valach. The Vice-Rector emphasized that SUA currently does not have any partner universities in Paraguay, although cooperation with Latin American universities is always beneficial, especially since some support schemes require their participation in joint projects. Possible future cooperation could involve the exchange of experiences, digitalization, mechatronics, artificial intelligence utilization, research, or laboratory certification. 'A good path of cooperation would also be a joint international study program leading to double degrees,' she added.
Vladislav Valach highlighted SUA's success in projects, mentioned the international alliance INVEST led by SUA, as well as cooperation with FAO, OECD, and activities in the field of student and teacher mobility. Specific areas of cooperation will be specified based on further negotiations by both parties."
