The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced a significant collaboration with El Salvador under the international initiative known as the «Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation.» This strategic partnership aims to enhance the nation’s trade competitiveness by conducting comprehensive studies on transportation and logistics costs in key industries.

As part of this project, the Ministry of Economy (MINEC) will implement the World Economic Forum’s «Total Transport and Logistics Costs» (TTLC) methodology. This approach will measure the time and total cost of the logistics chain across various productive sectors, utilizing inputs from government institutions and the business sector.

According to the Minister of Economy, María Luisa Hayem, “Through our project with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and the World Economic Forum, we are ready to continue improving the efficiency of import and export processes within key economic sectors and foster a more competitive business environment in El Salvador.”

The MINEC announced that the first TTLC study will focus on the textile and apparel industry, followed by a second study in the agricultural and food industry. These studies, which will later be expanded to other economic sectors, are expected to provide valuable insights into the complexities of commercial systems. This information will guide future decisions aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Salvadoran products in an increasingly dynamic global trade environment, promoting economic development and creating more job opportunities in the country.

The collaboration between El Salvador and the WEF adds to the efforts made to implement the National Trade Facilitation Strategy 2023-2027 and monitor its progress. This reiterates the country’s commitment to developing an ecosystem for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

From 2020 to 2023, the Government of El Salvador, through the National Trade Facilitation Committee, has executed over 120 key measures. These include the renovation of the El Amatillo and Anguiatú border posts with an investment exceeding $40 million.

Additionally, the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration at all border posts with Guatemala and with Honduras at El Amatillo, the launch of the Integrated Border Post (IBP) at El Amatillo—where officials from El Salvador and Honduras conduct joint controls on goods—and an investment in road infrastructure exceeding $600 million to enhance the efficiency of goods transportation.

The MINEC emphasizes that these achievements reflect President Nayib Bukele’s administration’s commitment to modernizing and facilitating trade for the swift entry and exit of goods in El Salvador.