El Salvador has become a more attractive destination for foreign investments as a result of the trade facilitation strategy promoted by President Nayib Bukele’s administration, according to the Commissioner for Strategic Projects, Cristian Flores.
In an interview, Flores pointed out that the government has optimized its processes so that companies looking to set up operations in the country can go through a single window at the Ministry of Economy and establish themselves in just 11 days. Previously, a company had to go through 114 processes to operate.
“This strategy, together with the significant reduction in crime rates, has encouraged more Salvadorans abroad (Salex) to carry out projects with multimillion-dollar investments,” said the official.
Since 2019, more than 194 Salex initiatives totaling $550 million have been recorded, distributed among hospitals, the mechanical industry, the tourism sector, gastronomy, and technology.
“In the past, Salvadorans fled the country because of gangs and state abandonment. Now, Salvadorans abroad are becoming part of the country’s investments,” he added.
Flores also stated that investments from all economic sectors continue to thrive around El Salvador’s strategic projects, such as the Pacific Airport.
“With the speed that characterizes President Nayib Bukele’s management, in the last year, environmental permits have been granted to realize more than $1 billion in private investment in the short term,” said the official.
Recently, the Legislative Assembly incorporated $5,869,239 into the budget of the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA) to continue the initial pre-construction phase and the resettlement plan of the eastern airport.
“We have three companies interested not only in managing the airport but also in providing this offer to create a new important hub for the Americas,” he added.
El Salvador’s focus on simplifying processes and reducing bureaucracy has proved to be a successful strategy to attract foreign investments, and the government’s commitment to continuing this approach is likely to yield even more promising results in the future.