Paraguay - Organizations

Several chambers of commerce promote local and international trade. Active trade associations include the Federation of Production, Industry, and Commerce, an importers' association, and various organizations of particular trades. Professional and cultural organizations also are active.

The Paraguayan Atheneum sponsors lectures, concerts, and recitals, as well as courses in foreign languages, art, and music. The Paraguayan-American Cultural Center and the Argentine-Paraguayan Institute are important binational centers. Paraguay has an Academy of Language and several organizations devoted primarily to Guaraní culture, including the Academy of Guaraní Culture and the Indian Association of Paraguay.

Other organizations include the Women's Center and the Youth Atheneum. The Paraguay Association of Scouts and Guides and the YMCA/YWCA are also active. Amnesty International and the Red Cross have national chapters.