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El Salvador Advances Nuclear Energy Plans with Support from International Atomic Energy Agency.
El Salvador has taken a significant step toward diversifying its energy matrix with the official launch of the first Site Design and External Events (SEED) Mission, carried out in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This effort, led by the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program (OIPEN), marks a crucial milestone in the country’s strategic move to introduce nuclear energy as a sustainable and secure power source.
A team of IAEA experts and technical specialists is currently conducting a comprehensive site evaluation process, applying internationally recognized parameters of nuclear safety and environmental protection. As of now, two candidate sites—located in San Vicente and Chalatenango—have been identified as meeting the necessary safety and technical feasibility criteria for hosting a future nuclear facility.
“This is one of the most important steps in our nuclear program,” said Daniel Álvarez, honorary director of OIPEN. “We have the direct support of the IAEA, whose representatives have rigorously reviewed the proposed sites and guided us according to the highest global safety standards.”
The SEED Mission’s technical review is complemented by the OLEA Sites Mission, which evaluates the scientific, environmental, and social aspects of site selection. This dual-track analysis ensures that El Salvador’s selection process is not only thorough but also aligned with international best practices.
The government’s collaboration with the IAEA reinforces El Salvador’s commitment to the responsible, safe, and transparent development of nuclear energy. The initiative also aims to strengthen national technical capabilities, enhance institutional trust, and create long-term opportunities for energy security and sustainability.
As El Salvador continues to progress toward implementing nuclear energy, the project stands as a testament to the nation’s strategic vision for energy independence and its dedication to future generations’ well-being.
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Nayib Bukele’s Naval Crackdown Disrupts Cocaine Routes to the U.S.
One year into his second term, President Nayib Bukele has reinforced El Salvador’s position as a regional leader in maritime drug interdiction. Through the Territorial Control Plan and a strengthened naval strategy, authorities have seized over 60 tons of drugs since 2019 — with 28.2 tons intercepted between May 2024 and May 2025 alone, valued at $706.8 million.
“From Panama to Mexico, El Salvador’s Navy is the only force carrying out drug seizures at such remote distances,” said Defense Minister René Merino Monroy. “The United States benefits most, as we help dismantle major trafficking networks.”
In December 2024, the Navy intercepted a vessel 1,050 nautical miles offshore carrying 1.5 tons of cocaine. In August, a similar operation seized 1.2 tons of cocaine and high-powered firearms being transferred between Ecuadorian and Mexican traffickers.
On January 12, 2025, Bukele announced a record-breaking operation: four drug-laden vessels stopped nearly 1,000 miles out at sea, yielding 4.3 tons of cocaine worth over $104 million.
“This small country is controlling over a thousand miles of ocean,” said Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro. “We’re proving the connection between narcotics and weapons, and showing what determined leadership can achieve.”
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El Salvador Reduces Government Debt in 2024: One of Few in Latin America to Do So.
El Salvador is one of eight Latin American countries that lowered their central government debt as a percentage of GDP, according to a fiscal report released Monday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
The report shows that El Salvador’s debt dropped from 53.8% of GDP in 2023 to 51% in 2024, a 2.8-point decrease. “Public debt levels fell in eight countries — including Argentina, El Salvador, and Nicaragua — while they rose in nine others,” the document notes.
Across the region, the average debt fell from 53.8% to 51.2% of GDP, largely due to a methodological change in Argentina that led to a sharp drop in its reported debt.
El Salvador still has one of the highest central government debt levels in Central America, behind Panama and Costa Rica. When including broader obligations like the non-financial public sector and the pension system, El Salvador’s total public debt reaches $30.9 billion, or 87.5% of GDP.
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Colombian Road Safety Officials Visit El Salvador to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation.
A delegation from the Colombian Road Safety Agency visited El Salvador this week to meet with local authorities from the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT), as part of ongoing efforts to enhance international road safety cooperation across Latin America.
The visit included a strategic meeting with Bessy Guzmán, Executive Director of the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), and Félix Serrano, General Director of Traffic. Officials discussed shared experiences and strategies to improve inter-institutional collaboration and reduce road traffic fatalities.
“We shared our National Road Safety Plan 2024–2030 and the actions we have implemented in recent years to prevent and reduce road deaths,” the VMT reported.
Focus on Road Safety Education for Children
A central topic of the meeting was El Salvador’s commitment to road safety education within the school system. Authorities presented the creation of education and safety committees and the implementation of road signage near schools, aimed at improving pedestrian safety for students.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to instill traffic awareness and safety culture from an early age, with the goal of building more responsible generations of drivers and pedestrians.
Traffic Flow Improvements in San Salvador
The VMT also showcased its newly installed traffic control system at the Los Próceres Boulevard and Pan-American Highway intersection, one of the capital’s busiest transit points. Activated during morning rush hours, the system has significantly eased traffic congestion in an area previously known for heavy delays.
Authorities reminded motorists to respect traffic regulations and the new control system to ensure optimal traffic flow and road safety.
Public Enforcement Actions on the Pan-American Highway
In response to a citizen complaint, the VMT reported issuing a fine to the driver of vehicle P 1327E for reckless driving on Route 100-A. The driver was penalized for disputing the right of way and dangerously navigating curves, placing other road users at risk.
“We urge all drivers to avoid reckless behavior and to respect traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road,” the VMT emphasized.
This bilateral exchange marks another step in El Salvador’s regional leadership in road safety, underscoring its commitment to reducing traffic-related fatalities and improving urban mobility through collaboration and innovation.
For more information on El Salvador’s road safety strategies, visit the official website of the Vice Ministry of Transportation: https://www.vmt.gob.sv.
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How El Salvador’s Art Heritage is Entering the European Market: Virtual Event Details.
Pieces of high cultural value by renowned Salvadoran artists Fernando Llort and Margarita Llort will be showcased virtually to European buyers, galleries, concept stores, distributors, and art enthusiasts in a landmark business meeting titled “Discover Art with Identity: Fernando Llort & Margarita Llort Enter the European Market.”
The event will take place on June 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Italy time (10:00 a.m. in El Salvador) via Zoom, and is organized by Promoitsa Online Hub, the commercial arm of El Salvador’s National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (Conamype) in Italy.
“This is not just another event. It is the beginning of a new chapter where Salvadoran identity-based art starts to position itself in Europe not only as cultural expression, but as an exportable offer of high value. Its entry into the international market is no longer a possibility, but an imminent reality,” said René Salvatore Merlos, CEO of Promoitsa Online Hub.
The business meeting aims to create direct commercial links between European stakeholders and Salvadoran artisans inspired by two cultural pillars: Fernando Llort, a leading figure in Latin American naïve art, and Margarita Llort, a pioneer in contemporary stained glass.
The session will be moderated by international speaker Óscar Estrada, whose experience in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and the United States will offer a global perspective on the artistic, cultural, and commercial significance of the showcased pieces.
“It’s not just about handicrafts. It’s about transmitting identity, color, spirituality, and resilience through every piece,” shared Karla Portillo, operations director at Promoitsa. “This business roundtable is a new bridge between El Salvador and Europe.”
The initiative is supported by the Consulate General of El Salvador in Milan, led by Consul Vidal Tobar, a key figure in promoting Salvadoran talent abroad and strengthening the diaspora’s economic and cultural ties in Italy.
Participation in the event is free, with prior registration required through the official channels of Promoitsa and Conamype. The event will be streamed live, enabling real-time interaction between participants across continents.
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New Investment Avenues Open for Salvadoran Cosmetics at Beauty Istanbul 2025.
The Embassy of El Salvador in Türkiye recently took part in the sixth edition of “Beauty Istanbul 2025,” a major international trade fair held from May 8 to 10 at the newly inaugurated TUYAP Fair Center in Istanbul. The event, which hosted 1,295 exhibitors from 66 countries and featured 20 national pavilions, has earned its place among the top five global cosmetics trade fairs.
El Salvador’s participation was part of a broader effort to identify new business and investment opportunities for Salvadoran products in the cosmetics industry. The Embassy used the event to promote the country’s Economic Diplomacy and forge connections with potential distributors, producers, and buyers.
“El Salvador is undergoing a remarkable transformation and is now positioned as an attractive destination for international business,” stated Ambassador Héctor Jaime during the opening ceremony. He also emphasized the various advantages and incentives El Salvador offers to foreign investors.
The Embassy’s presence at the fair not only highlighted the country’s growing interest in the global beauty market but also helped generate valuable networking opportunities that could lead to future cooperation and commercial partnerships.
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El Salvador Rebuilds Ninth and Tenth Schools Under “Two Schools a Day” Program.
The Government of El Salvador has announced the reconstruction of the ninth and tenth educational centers under President Nayib Bukele’s flagship Two Schools a Day initiative. According to official information released through the program’s website, the selected institutions are the Cantón Obrajuelo School Center in Agua Caliente, Chalatenango, and the Doctor Esteban Castro School Center in Santo Domingo, San Vicente.
With a combined investment of $5.6 million, the effort underscores the administration’s continued commitment to improving the nation’s educational infrastructure. The initiative was formally launched last week by President Bukele to restore deteriorated public schools across the country.
Obrajuelo School Center Revamped After Decades of Neglect
The Cantón Obrajuelo School Center, previously left in disrepair under past administrations, will now benefit more than 200 students with fully upgraded facilities. The Government, through the Municipal Works Department (DOM), has allocated $2.9 million to construct eight new buildings. Among them will be a two-level structure with 12 modern classrooms, a computer lab, new thermoacoustic ceilings, and ergonomic furniture.
Additional improvements include recreational classrooms, a multipurpose sports court with bleachers, a meeting room, a nurse’s station, a fully equipped kitchen and cafeteria, gardens, a waste management area, and a new flag plaza. Free high-speed internet access will be available throughout the campus.
Sustainability features such as a hydraulic biodigester system, seven absorption wells, a cistern, green areas, a pergola, and a security booth are also included in the construction plans.
Doctor Esteban Castro School to Receive Modern Facilities
The Doctor Esteban Castro School Center is the tenth school scheduled for reconstruction under the program. This project, co-financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed by DOM, involves an investment of $2.7 million.
Renovations include three classroom modules, independent recreational zones, infirmary and administrative spaces, a multipurpose room, a kitchen-dining area, and a cistern system to ensure a stable water supply. The upgraded school will feature porcelain tile floors, synthetic grass, LED lighting, solar panels, and campus-wide internet connectivity.
Government Prioritizes Education in 2025 Development Strategy
The Two Schools a Day program reflects President Bukele’s broader strategy to improve public services and infrastructure, particularly in historically underserved areas. These latest efforts mark significant progress toward delivering safe, modern, and dignified learning environments for students nationwide.
For more updates on El Salvador’s education reforms and national infrastructure investments, visit the official Two Schools a Day website.
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Salvadoran Returnees Present Leather, Indigo, and Natural Goods at Cerro Verde.
This weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Salvadoran Tourism Institute (ISTU) hosted a fair for returned entrepreneurs, offering 15 participants a platform to exhibit and sell products such as leather goods, indigo crafts, natural items, and more.
Held at Cerro Verde Natural Park, the event welcomed visitors with a vibrant selection of locally made products, including clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, packaged foods, coffee, oils, balms, and soaps—many crafted by the entrepreneurs themselves.
The fair was part of ongoing efforts by President Nayib Bukele’s administration to improve development opportunities and well-being for returning migrants through initiatives by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are working to transform the lives of returnees by helping them reintegrate and thrive in their communities,” said a representative from the Ministry.
Entrepreneurs from the “Rincón Azul” store in Santa Ana and the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport also took part. Both locations promote goods made by returnees supported by the “Transforming Lives” program—an initiative by the Ministry aimed at integrating these individuals into the country’s productive life.
Participants have received support through economic, productive, and psychosocial reintegration programs offered by the Ministry’s Directorate for the Protection of Persons in Mobility. These services aim to strengthen their business ventures and help them achieve personal growth within El Salvador.
The event also received support from key partners, including the Salvadoran Red Cross and the Independent Monitoring Group of El Salvador (GMIES).
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El Salvador Aims to Access South America’s Largest Market Through Mercosur Agreement.
As part of President Nayib Bukele’s economic strengthening strategy, El Salvador has taken a significant step toward expanding its global trade partnerships by initiating formal negotiations with Mercosur, South America’s largest economic bloc. The Ministry of Economy (Minec) confirmed that on December 9, 2024, both parties signed the terms of reference, officially launching the negotiation process.
“El Salvador and Mercosur are in the early stages of negotiating a trade agreement. The signing of the terms of reference marks a key milestone in strengthening trade relations between our countries,” stated Minec.
The ministry highlighted that the current phase involves an exchange of trade information between delegations. “This process is essential to ensure a mutual understanding of the trade structures and strategic interests of both parties,” it added.
Next steps include establishing general negotiation rules and setting dates for negotiation rounds. “These dates will be coordinated with the commercial agendas of each country to guarantee effective and coordinated participation at every stage. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to a transparent, constructive, and results-oriented negotiation,” Minec affirmed.
Mercosur, formed in 1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, includes a broader network of associate members such as Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Panama, and Suriname. Through this alliance, El Salvador aims to gain access to a market of over 300 million people for its products.
The country is also advancing in free trade talks with China and Peru. In the case of Peru, a second round of negotiations is set for the last week of May, with expectations to finalize the agreement before the end of 2025, based on the progress achieved so far.
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El Salvador Reports $2.2 Billion in Exports During First Four Months of 2025.
Export growth driven by food, apparel, and manufacturing sectors
El Salvador’s export sector reported solid growth in early 2025, reaching a total of $2.238 billion between January and April, according to the latest report by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). This figure marks a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when $2.131 billion was recorded, generating $106.7 million in additional revenue.
The United States remained the country’s leading trading partner, accounting for $698.7 million in purchases — or 31.2% of total exports. Central America and the Dominican Republic collectively represented 55.3% of total export sales, contributing more than $1.236 billion to the national economy.
Key regional trade partners included:
- Guatemala: $476.3 million
- Honduras: $375.1 million
- Nicaragua: $200.9 million
- Costa Rica: $104 million
- Panama: $41.1 million
- Dominican Republic: $39.3 million
The most dynamic sectors in international sales were food ($326.1 million), apparel ($353.7 million), manufacturing ($236.8 million), plastics ($196.7 million), and textile products ($135.4 million). Leading products included T-shirts, sweaters, sugar, plastic goods, and coffee.
The BCR also noted that 1,769 exporters were active during this four-month period, reflecting strong national engagement in global markets.
Imports Reach $5.7 Billion by April 2025
In parallel, imports totaled $5.708 billion, with top sources being the United States, the People’s Republic of China, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Primary imported products included petroleum oil, medicines, petroleum gas, telephones, and passenger cars.
This report highlights El Salvador’s continued integration into global trade, with notable resilience and performance across key industrial and agricultural sectors.
