In a significant step to improve El Salvador’s business environment, the Ministry of Economy (MINEC) and the Planning Office of the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (OPAMSS) signed a technical cooperation agreement aimed at expediting trade and investment procedures through technology and institutional coordination.
The five-year agreement will enable automated and secure exchange of information between the two institutions, reducing the time and costs involved in investment-related processes. Through the development of APIs (application programming interfaces), MINEC will gain immediate access to key OPAMSS data on construction permits, zoning, drainage feasibility, road inspections, and work acceptances—essential elements for companies seeking tax incentives under Free Trade Zone and International Services laws.
Luis Rodríguez, Executive Director of OPAMSS, explained that this real-time access will allow the Ministry to automatically verify legal compliance for businesses pursuing investment benefits. In return, OPAMSS will have direct access to updated information from MINEC regarding authorized and pending free trade zones, service parks, investment centers, and related statistics.
“This agreement eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks and strengthens transparency, creating a more agile and investor-friendly environment,” Rodríguez said.
Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader national strategy under President Nayib Bukele to consolidate economic development following historic gains in public security.
“This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to building a modern and efficient state that supports investment and entrepreneurship,” Minister Hayem noted. “It aligns with the vision of President Bukele to promote economic growth by improving institutional coordination and removing unnecessary barriers.”
The new framework removes the need for physical documentation and in-person consultations, streamlining inter-agency collaboration and improving the responsiveness of El Salvador’s investment ecosystem. By enhancing efficiency and digital connectivity, the government aims to attract more investors and strengthen the country’s reputation as an emerging destination for business in Central America.