El Salvador recently hosted the Forbes Economics and Business Forum 2025, a pivotal event that brought together regional leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss the country’s economic transformation. The forum underscored the critical role of human talent, tourism, and security in driving sustainable growth.

Eladio González, editorial director for Forbes Central America and the Dominican Republic, emphasized that the forum addressed key economic topics, including business transformation, talent development, and investment attraction. He noted, “These forums allow for open debate and joint analysis of challenges and opportunities, helping companies pursue development, transformation, and digitalization.”

González also highlighted security as a fundamental factor for economic dynamism, stating, “Many countries face security challenges and are looking at what El Salvador is doing regarding security because it’s something that is fundamental for investors.” He added that El Salvador has evolved from being a country few considered visiting to one of the most visited in Central America, largely due to the security felt by tourists, visitors, and businesspeople.

A panel titled “Transformation and Talent: The Keys to Growth” featured industry leaders such as Armando Mendiola, CEO of Diana; Claudia de Ibáñez, Corporate Affairs Manager of Walmart El Salvador; Marcelo Arrieta, Executive Director of El Salvador and Nicaragua at Holcim; and Clarissa Soriano, Transformation Manager of Bimbo Central America.

Claudia Ibáñez highlighted the commitment of Salvadoran employees, noting that Walmart employs over 5,000 associates in El Salvador and almost 40,000 across Central America. Marcelo Arrieta emphasized the importance of technological transformation and strategic investment, stating that Holcim’s capital allocation in El Salvador reflects the country’s favorable conditions for business.

Andriana Larin, general director of the Historic Center Planning Authority (Aplan), added that El Salvador is undergoing rapid modernization and attracting significant investment, including over €170 million in private investment in the Historic Center alone in the past two years.

The Forbes Economics and Business Forum 2025 reaffirmed El Salvador’s position as a dynamic economy in Central America, demonstrating how safety, talent, and innovation are central to the country’s ongoing economic transformation.