President Nayib Bukele’s Economic Plan for 2024–2029 has completed its first year, with three of six phases already in progress. With over $3 billion in public and private investment, the government is shifting focus from security to economic growth. In his second-term speech, President Bukele asked for patience to address the economy, after tackling insecurity in his first term.
The latest phase, Logistics, launched in August 2024, includes reactivating the Port of La Unión and modernizing Acajutla through a $1.6 billion partnership with Turkish company YILPORT and CEPA. On July 1st, La Unión received its seventh major cargo ship, carrying 620 vehicles.
President Bukele also inaugurated the $386.4 million Pacific Airport project in La Unión and is investing $1.4 billion in eastern infrastructure, including Surf City 2 and the Gerardo Barrios Bypass.
The Technology phase has attracted over 45 companies with laws like the Digital Assets Issuance Law and the Robotic Technology Law. In early 2025, stablecoin giant Tether relocated its operations to El Salvador.
The first phase, Food, removed tariffs for ten years on basic goods and included plans for agromarkets and a central wholesale market.
“There are clear signs of sustained growth in tourism and construction,” said analyst Francisco Góchez. “The economy is now the top priority.”