Sustained government efforts under President Nayib Bukele have strengthened investor confidence and created new economic opportunities in the heart of El Salvador’s capital, positioning San Salvador’s Historic Center as an increasingly active hub for business and employment.
This momentum is reflected in the opening of a new Viva Espresso location in the Historic Center, an investment that contributes to urban renewal and local job creation. The General Director of the San Salvador Historic Center Authority (Aplan), Adriana Larín, highlighted the economic impact of the project. “An investment close to $150,000 and the generation of direct and indirect jobs, together with a broad network of suppliers, show that this is a meaningful contribution to the local economy,” she said.
Representatives of Viva Espresso pointed to growing confidence in the area as a key factor behind the decision to expand downtown. “We believe in this revitalization process and in the Historic Center as a living space for Salvadorans and tourists,” said Alejandro Menéndez, adding that the new space respects the area’s heritage while showcasing Salvadoran coffee.
According to Aplan, a streamlined one-stop permitting system has reduced approval times and improved legal certainty for investors. Since 2023, the authority has supported projects representing approximately $176 million in private investment, reinforcing the Historic Center’s role as a driver of job growth, tourism, and economic activity in San Salvador.