The Salvadoran business community has welcomed with optimism the approval of the Technology and Robotics Law, a pioneering regulatory framework that positions El Salvador as the first country in Latin America—and possibly the world—to enact comprehensive legislation supporting robotics development.
Mario Padilla, Executive Director of the Salvadoran Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (CASATIC), which represents over 100 tech companies, described the new law as a “strategic catalyst” for attracting foreign investment, boosting job creation, and enhancing the national education system.
“What we want is for companies to come to the country and for there to be more jobs for Salvadorans. From that perspective, these laws support that objective, and we agree with them,” Padilla stated. He emphasized the importance of teaching robotics from early education levels, noting that “the foundation of robotics is programming, and to make a robot function, one must understand code, logic, and mathematics.”
Padilla also underscored the growing synergy between robotics and artificial intelligence, calling for ethical oversight and global standard alignment through the National Agency for Artificial Intelligence (ANIA). “Modern robots rely on AI for autonomy and efficiency. We must ensure these technologies are safe, intellectual property is protected, and international norms are respected,” he added.
Mario Flamenco, Director of ANIA, affirmed that the Robotics Law places El Salvador at the forefront of global tech innovation. “Our country now offers a pro-innovation, pro-business environment unlike any other in Latin America,” he said. Flamenco explained that ANIA will define specific safety standards for robotics technologies and collaborate with international robotics leaders to establish best practices.
In line with this strategy, ANIA aims to expand educational initiatives such as CUBO AI and a partnership with ARK Educate, which integrates robotics into school curricula beginning in seventh grade. “El Salvador already has the world’s best robotics education program for children, and we’re committed to building on that success,” Flamenco stated.
Stacy Herbert, Director of the National Bitcoin Office, framed the Robotics Law as part of a broader national strategy that includes the Bitcoin Law and the Artificial Intelligence Law. “The Bitcoin Law gives people financial freedom, the AI Law enables digital innovation, and the Robotics Law brings that innovation into the physical world,” she said. “Together, these laws create the most dynamic technology ecosystem on the planet.”
Herbert added that El Salvador’s ability to rapidly implement bold policy reforms offers a decisive competitive advantage. “We are building a reputation as the world’s first Bitcoin Nation and now a global technology hub. Startups and multinational companies alike are recognizing El Salvador as the place to build during one of the most exciting times in history.”
With a unified framework for blockchain, AI, and robotics, El Salvador strengthens its role as a global leader in innovation and positions itself as a magnet for cutting-edge investment in emerging technologies.