El Salvador is on the cusp of transforming into a leading regional logistics hub, thanks to a landmark $1.615 billion port investment and a $105 million modernization effort for customs. This ambitious strategy, backed by the Salvadoran government and a partnership with YILPORT Holding, is set to elevate the country’s port operations to a competitive regional standard.
The initiative, spearheaded by the mixed-economy company Unión Portuaria del Pacífico, aims to revitalize Salvadoran ports, positioning them as key nodes in both Pacific and Atlantic trade routes. Federico Anliker, President of the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), emphasized that the port of La Unión will be central to this strategy, serving as a crucial entry and exit point for international cargo.
«The vision of this strategy is to enhance the entire logistics chain, transforming not just the ports but also integrating our entire logistics infrastructure,» Anliker stated. He highlighted that this effort aligns with President Nayib Bukele’s broader economic reactivation plan, which has already seen positive impacts on physical and legal security, encouraging new investments.
Further enhancing this plan is the upcoming construction of the Pacific Airport, which will seamlessly connect maritime and air logistics, supported by intermodal dry terminals facilitated by YILPORT. Anliker noted that this development will play a pivotal role in optimizing logistics efficiency.
Miguel Kattan, Secretary of Commerce and Investments, underscored the government’s commitment to making Salvadoran ports the best in Central America. «Our goal is to become a regional benchmark for logistics operations,» Kattan said, adding that El Salvador’s central location makes it an ideal hub for goods movement across Latin America.
The strategic plan is not limited to port and airport developments. It also encompasses significant upgrades to road networks, border posts, and the implementation of advanced technologies in government processes. The National Trade Facilitation Plan 2024 will coordinate efforts across more than 30 measures involving over 17 government institutions and seven business sector associations.
«This comprehensive approach aims to rebuild and modernize our logistics system, reversing decades of decline and positioning El Salvador as a competitive logistics player,» Kattan concluded.
With these sweeping reforms and investments, El Salvador is setting the stage to reclaim its status as a leading logistics center in the region, offering enhanced capabilities for both local and international trade.