President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador marked the beginning of a groundbreaking project by placing the first stone for the construction of the country’s National Stadium. The colossal sports complex, negotiated and agreed upon during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in December 2019, is set to become the largest in Central America and the most modern in Latin America.
Accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, and Yamil Bukele, the honorary president of the National Institute of Sports (Indes), President Bukele expressed his enthusiasm for the venture that will shape the nation’s sporting landscape. The estimated $100 million investment will result in a state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open its doors in early 2027.
During the ceremony, President Bukele emphasized the significant strides his administration has taken in various sectors, including health, education, culture, and public safety, making El Salvador the safest country in Latin America and positioning it on the cusp of becoming the safest in the entire Western Hemisphere.
«This is one of the largest projects ever undertaken in our country. We have conducted studies, designs, and planning, and now the 36-month construction phase begins,» stated President Bukele, highlighting the commitment to fostering growth in diverse areas, including sports.
The new sports arena, a generous donation from China, will serve as the home ground for El Salvador’s national football team, boasting a seating capacity for 52,000 spectators. President Bukele outlined that 50,000 seats would be designated for general spectators, while 250 spaces would cater to VIP guests, wheelchair-accessible areas, and designated spaces for journalists, among others.
President Bukele drew parallels with recent achievements, such as the inauguration of the National Library of El Salvador (Binaes), describing it as a «gymnasium for the mind.» He emphasized the holistic development of the nation, stating, «Now, we are building one for the body, for sports.» This investment is anticipated to stimulate the Salvadoran economy, generating employment opportunities, boosting demand for goods and services across various sectors, and hosting future national and international events.
Ambassador Zhang Yanhui underscored the personal involvement of both Presidents Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele in finalizing the project, noting the Salvadoran leader’s keen aesthetic vision in selecting the stadium’s design from three proposals submitted by China. The ambassador declared, «This once again demonstrates not only top-level political acumen but also a first-rate aesthetic vision.»
Highlighting the collaborative spirit between China and El Salvador, Ambassador Zhang noted that the National Stadium, like other Chinese-assisted projects in the country, symbolizes the deepening cooperation and friendship between the two nations. «China seeks modernization for all developing countries through joint efforts. Under President Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador will achieve many milestones, and under the guidance of both heads of state, our relations will have a bright future,» affirmed the ambassador.
As the construction of El Salvador’s National Stadium commences, it stands as a testament to the shared aspirations and enduring partnership between China and El Salvador, promising a beacon of progress for the entire region.