As part of efforts to enhance development opportunities and improve the lives of returned migrants in their places of origin, the Government of El Salvador, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the “Rincón Azul” store in Santa Ana..
Located on the first floor of Plaza Maya shopping center, the store showcases products made by entrepreneurs from the Transformando Vidas (Transforming Lives) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry, seeks to reintegrate returned migrants into the country’s productive economy.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister for Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “We strengthen the skills of these entrepreneurs and create a space for the commercialization, positioning, and promotion of their business ventures,” she said.
The new store, which complements an existing branch at El Salvador International Airport, provides a platform for 10 microentrepreneurs to offer their goods to the local community and visiting tourists. Products include food, clothing, jewelry, and natural items, described as “fragments of our homeland” by Portal.
In addition to showcasing products, the program has offered training in leadership, psychosocial support, teamwork, and business management. During the event, participants received certificates acknowledging their completion of these workshops.
Deputy Minister Portal highlighted the potential of returned Salvadorans, stating, “They bring valuable work experiences acquired abroad that can significantly contribute to our country’s development.”
The inauguration was organized in collaboration with the Independent Monitoring Group of El Salvador (GMIES) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), under the trinational project Response for Dignified, Peaceful, and Inclusive Human Mobility in Northern Central America, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
Nicola Graviano, IOM Chief of Mission, described Rincón Azul as “a space of hope reflecting the perseverance and talent of returned migrants committed to contributing to the nation’s progress.”
Entrepreneur Mario Moreno expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “This achievement is possible thanks to the joint effort and vision to create opportunities for returned, productive individuals. Thank you for believing in us.”
This initiative symbolizes a step forward in empowering returned Salvadorans and strengthening their integration into local economic life.