El Salvador’s private sector has officially committed to a renewed path of industrial development through the launch of the 2024–2025 Industrial Plan, a strategic roadmap designed to modernize the country’s production systems, generate employment, and boost economic growth.
The plan, developed by the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI) and coordinated through the Industrial Council of El Salvador, outlines 12 strategic objectives and 66 actionable initiatives aimed at reindustrializing the nation and strengthening its position as a regional economic leader.
“We know that a country with a strong industry advances much more than one without, and that is our task,” said Jorge Arriaza, President of ASI and coordinator of the Industrial Council. Arriaza emphasized that reinforcing the industrial sector could increase El Salvador’s economic growth rate beyond 3%.
The plan reflects six decades of industrial history in the country, during which El Salvador’s industrial sector has become a key driver of innovation, job creation, and economic output. Currently, the sector represents 12% of the national GDP, with 26 industrial branches contributing to its dynamism.
According to ASI’s Manager of Industrial Intelligence, Karla Domínguez, the plan was the result of an extensive technical analysis and has been presented to President Nayib Bukele and his Economic Cabinet. Collaboration between the Executive Branch, international organizations, and the private sector is central to the success of the plan.
Notable among the strategic actions is the creation of industrial development hubs in the eastern region, prioritizing San Miguel, Usulután, and La Unión. These efforts align with national infrastructure projects such as the reactivation of the Port of La Unión, the construction of the Pacific Airport, and the development of a dry canal connecting to Puerto Cortés, Honduras.
In addition, the plan proposes a structural overhaul of the country’s technical education system through the creation of an Industrial Technical Training Center, in partnership with INCAF and private entities, aimed at strengthening the skills pipeline for industrial employment.
The initiative also seeks to consolidate internal and external value chains, integrating medium and large enterprises into production networks while enhancing the global competitiveness of Salvadoran products.
By aligning private investment, public infrastructure, and international cooperation, El Salvador’s 2024–2025 Industrial Plan sets a bold course for sustainable economic transformation and inclusive development.