El Salvador’s Industrial Council is preparing a $1 billion plan to attract private investment over the next four years, aiming to revitalize the country’s manufacturing sector.
Jorge Arriaza, coordinator of the council and president of the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI), said during an interview that the plan will be officially launched on June 12, Industry Day. It includes goals such as attracting 400 new industries, increasing exports by 8%, and “doubling the country’s GDP.”
“It’s a big bet to reposition industry and create around 40,000 jobs,” Arriaza stated. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the country’s improved security, calling it the “foundation of the plan.”
President Nayib Bukele has expressed support for the initiative, which comes after two years of decline in the manufacturing sector due to global economic tensions.
Despite challenges from a 10% U.S. tariff introduced under President Donald Trump, Arriaza believes El Salvador could benefit as a “trusted trade partner” in the U.S. supply chain.