This weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Salvadoran Tourism Institute (ISTU) hosted a fair for returned entrepreneurs, offering 15 participants a platform to exhibit and sell products such as leather goods, indigo crafts, natural items, and more.

Held at Cerro Verde Natural Park, the event welcomed visitors with a vibrant selection of locally made products, including clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, packaged foods, coffee, oils, balms, and soaps—many crafted by the entrepreneurs themselves.

The fair was part of ongoing efforts by President Nayib Bukele’s administration to improve development opportunities and well-being for returning migrants through initiatives by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are working to transform the lives of returnees by helping them reintegrate and thrive in their communities,” said a representative from the Ministry.

Entrepreneurs from the “Rincón Azul” store in Santa Ana and the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport also took part. Both locations promote goods made by returnees supported by the “Transforming Lives” program—an initiative by the Ministry aimed at integrating these individuals into the country’s productive life.

Participants have received support through economic, productive, and psychosocial reintegration programs offered by the Ministry’s Directorate for the Protection of Persons in Mobility. These services aim to strengthen their business ventures and help them achieve personal growth within El Salvador.

The event also received support from key partners, including the Salvadoran Red Cross and the Independent Monitoring Group of El Salvador (GMIES).