El Salvador is poised to regain its position as Central America’s economic leader, according to economist and former Central Reserve Bank president Carlos Acevedo. Citing improved investment conditions and government-led economic strategies, Acevedo expressed optimism during a televised interview on Tuesday.
“For the first time, I see conditions emerging for El Salvador to lead regional growth again, as it did in the 1960s,” he said.
Acevedo pointed to the country’s recent hosting of the 2025 “Fathers and Sons Business Meeting,” which gathered entrepreneurs from over 20 countries with President Nayib Bukele to discuss security, the economy, and education. “Having this initiative, promoted by Carlos Slim, convene here is a significant achievement,” Acevedo noted.
He also highlighted the administration’s success in improving security and infrastructure, including the recently inaugurated Gerardo Barrios bypass. Additionally, the $1.6 billion agreement with Turkish logistics firm YILPORT Holding to modernize the Acajutla port and reactivate La Unión is expected to boost competitiveness.
“The government aims to revitalize the economy with growth rates of 4% to 6%, creating jobs and reducing poverty sustainably,” Acevedo said, emphasizing tourism and services as key sectors driving this momentum.