The Government of President Nayib Bukele, through the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), is moving forward with the creation of the Institute for Customs and Logistics Development, a key initiative to strengthen El Salvador’s foreign trade capabilities. The project is being developed with the support and financing of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), according to institutional advisor Luis Manuel Córdova.
The new institute will serve as a specialized training center for DGA personnel and the private sector, including exporters, importers, and trade operators. Its comprehensive approach will integrate health and well-being programs, promote healthy habits and physical fitness, and emphasize a values-based framework to foster teamwork and institutional commitment.
Technological capacity building will be a core element, with training on digital customs clearance tools and platforms to simplify and modernize trade processes. The DGA is also restructuring its curricula and upgrading its training infrastructure to enhance service delivery.
Currently, the DGA offers 94 digitized services aimed at streamlining operations, including seven transit processes (such as authorizations and transshipments), six export procedures (including temporary and permanent exports), and 43 administrative services covering authorizations, registrations, solvency, and finance-related document processing.
This initiative aligns with El Salvador’s strategy to improve trade facilitation, boost competitiveness, and support sustainable economic growth.
