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El Salvador and Panama Commemorate 116 Years of Diplomatic Relations with a Musical Tribute.
El Salvador and Panama recently celebrated 116 years of diplomatic relations with a cultural event that blended music and tradition. The Salvadoran diplomatic representation in Panama organized a special concert at San José Church, featuring 25 musicians from the Orquesta de Cámara del Istmo. The performance showcased a repertoire that highlighted the musical heritage of both nations.
Adding to the evening’s significance, the audience enjoyed the vocal performances of Salvadoran baritone Fernando Brito Serpas and Panamanian mezzo-soprano Sahara González, whose interpretations enriched the event with a sense of unity and artistic excellence.
During the commemoration, El Salvador’s ambassador to Panama, Zoraida Panameño, expressed her satisfaction in celebrating this milestone through cultural exchange. “Since March 9, 1909, our relations have evolved, adapting to the times and challenges of each era. And today, we can proudly say that the bond between El Salvador and Panama is stronger than ever,” she stated.
She further highlighted the recent progress made in bilateral relations. “In recent years, under the vision and leadership of President Nayib Bukele, we have witnessed a remarkable strengthening of our ties. This period has been marked by initiatives that have boosted trade exchange, technical cooperation, and mutual understanding,” Panameño added.
The event was also part of the initiative “El Salvador Renace: Programa de Identidad Cultural con la Diáspora y Diplomacia Pública,” promoted by the Directorate of Cultural, Sports, and Gastronomic Promotion. This program aims to honor both past and present figures who have contributed to fostering closer relations between the two nations, with the goal of ensuring continued mutual benefits and development.
Panama’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alejandro Mendoza, also recognized the efforts of the Salvadoran Diplomatic and Consular Representation. “Over the past year, under Ambassador Panameño’s administration, bilateral relations have been significantly strengthened through successful initiatives in cultural, commercial, and cooperative fields,” he remarked.
The event was attended by Panamanian authorities, members of the diplomatic corps in Panama, representatives of the Salvadoran diaspora, and distinguished guests.
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El Salvador and South Korea Strengthen Ties with New Industrial Innovation Training Center.
With support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), construction has officially begun on the Industrial Innovation Training Center at ITCA-FEPADE. This initiative positions the institution at the forefront of professional training, aligning with global trends in Industry 4.0.
“The Center will enhance study programs in smart manufacturing and information technologies, fostering employability and laying the foundation for a competitive digital economy,” said South Korean Ambassador to El Salvador, Kwak Tae Yeol.
Part of an ongoing collaboration between ITCA-FEPADE and KOICA since 2021, the project aims to boost El Salvador’s regional and international competitiveness. It includes two new technical degree programs, four training diplomas, and advanced virtual classrooms and laboratories.
El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through ESCO, helped secure the $5.8 million investment. “This represents a major shift for our students, giving them opportunities in a country that prioritizes innovation,” said ITCA-FEPADE Rector Carlos Arriola. The center is expected to benefit over 6,500 students.
“This project helps El Salvador take its first steps toward Industry 4.0, allowing companies to digitalize operations and optimize resources,” noted student Favio Ávalos.
The groundbreaking event was attended by officials from ESCO, KOICA, and the Ministry of Education. This initiative marks a significant step in El Salvador’s journey toward technological and industrial advancement.
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From El Salvador to the Snow: Para Athletes Compete on the Global Stage.
Two Salvadoran para athletes, Jonathan Arias and David Chávez, recently competed in the Nordic Skiing World Championship in Trondheim, Norway. The athletes, trained by One Team El Salvador, represented their country in the prestigious event with the support of the Salvadoran Embassy in Norway.
One Team El Salvador, led by sports development expert Robert Powers, has played a crucial role in training athletes in para skiing, climbing, and surfing. The organization collaborates with the Salvadoran Paralympic Committee, the Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the country’s Federations of Surf, Skiing, and Climbing. In addition to working with sports institutions, One Team has partnered with government agencies focused on sports, tourism, and rescue operations.
During the championship, the Salvadoran Ambassador to Norway, Claudia Beltrán, accompanied the athletes, attending their competitions and supporting them in meetings with local authorities and media representatives.
“For our country, it is a great honor that these young para athletes compete and represent El Salvador in world championships. That is why our Embassy is committed to supporting their participation and performance in these disciplines, allowing them to grow as athletes and continue projecting themselves internationally,” stated Ambassador Beltrán.
Looking ahead, the Salvadoran athletes and One Team El Salvador remain dedicated to their training, aiming for future participation in major international events, including the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, and the 2030 Winter Paralympics in the French Alps.
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El Salvador Expands Air Connectivity Through Open Skies Policy.
El Salvador has made significant progress in its open skies policy, strengthening its air connectivity worldwide and positioning itself as a key player in international aviation. According to Homero Morales, Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), the country now has 22 Air Transport Agreements and six Memorandums of Understanding, with 10 signed during President Nayib Bukele’s administration since 2019.
These agreements allow “air freedoms, passenger movement, and cargo transportation,” Morales explained. They have facilitated operations for both national and international airlines, boosting tourism, trade, and investment. El Salvador is also negotiating new agreements with Singapore, Morocco, Argentina, and Ecuador to open direct routes, while discussions with Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Oman aim to further expand connectivity.
“These agreements bring significant benefits and allow our national operators, such as Avianca and Volaris, to establish direct routes,” Morales stated. In 2024, agreements were secured with Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Belize, and ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia and the Bahamas could soon lead to direct connections.
The country’s international airport holds Category 1 status under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing direct flights to multiple destinations. “This recognition enables our operators to establish key connections,” Morales said, highlighting the government’s efforts to attract tourism and increase passenger traffic.
“It took us 40 years to reach 5 million passengers, which shows the impact of public security improvements and tourism promotion efforts,” he noted. Morales reaffirmed that the government remains committed to advancing civil aviation and positioning El Salvador as a regional leader in air connectivity.
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El Salvador as a Rising Hub for Regional Logistics Investment.
El Salvador is drawing regional companies seeking expansion, thanks to its economic growth and the confidence inspired by President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
Costa Rican developer Unifica recently completed the second warehouse of its Bodegas de El Salvador project in San Salvador Este, a strategic hub for logistics companies.
“We believe in El Salvador’s economic boom and trust in its progress. This motivates us to keep investing,” said Gabriela Cerdas, Unifica’s Development Manager.
The project began with Bodega 1, covering 14,000 square meters. Bodega 2, recently finished for DHL Global Forwarding, adds another 4,000 square meters. Unifica plans two more warehouses, bringing the total to 9,000 square meters.
“We are investing $15 million in total, and the construction of Bodega 2 alone generated 500 direct jobs,” Cerdas added.
She credited the Office of Planning for the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (Opamss) for ensuring a smooth process.
“Their support made everything more efficient, allowing us to meet deadlines. Bodega 2 was completed in six months,” she noted.
Luis Rodríguez, Opamss Executive Director, suggested managing the next two warehouses simultaneously for greater efficiency.
“This strengthens the company’s position and attracts new business opportunities,” he said.
José Velázquez, President of the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction (Casalco), emphasized the positive impact on the sector.
“With continued confidence and collaboration, we will keep moving forward for the benefit of the population,” he concluded.
With growing investment and efficient processes, El Salvador is cementing its role as a regional logistics and industrial hub.
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Midnight Deadline: President Bukele Orders Municipalities to Reverse Tax and Fee Increases.
Municipalities in El Salvador that fail to roll back increases in business license fees, fines, municipal taxes, and permits will face extortion charges, President Nayib Bukele warned on Monday.
The president reiterated that the deadline for municipalities to comply with this order is midnight. He also underscored the government’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
“Today, Monday, at midnight, the deadline expires for all municipalities in the country to REVERT all fees, fines, licenses, permits, taxes, and any other charges, restoring them to the same levels as before the new municipal governments took office on May 1 of last year,” Bukele posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I expect 100% of municipal councils to comply with this directive. Otherwise, they will be charged with the crime of EXTORTION before the Attorney General’s Office. Business owners, especially small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, deserve the state’s support. They are key to our country’s economic growth. Harassing them, forcing them into bankruptcy, or even shutting down their businesses is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he added.
Since last week, Bukele has been vocal about the need for municipalities to roll back the fee hikes, stressing that prices must return to those in effect before May 1, 2024.
Additionally, the president has called for a refund of excessive charges that have negatively impacted business owners. Municipalities that have implemented such increases must reimburse affected businesses accordingly.
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El Salvador’s Micro and Small Enterprises Create Record Jobs in 2024.
Employment generated by new micro and small enterprises (MYPES) in El Salvador grew by 70% in 2024, according to the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (Conamype). While business creation saw a modest increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year, job generation surged significantly. Between January and September 2024, new MYPES created 15,390 jobs, surpassing the 9,037 positions recorded in the same period of 2023 and even exceeding the total jobs generated throughout all of 2023.
More than a third of these new jobs (31.3%) were in the manufacturing industry, while 19% came from commerce and automotive repair. Another 18.6% were in accommodation and food services, with agriculture, entertainment, healthcare, finance, real estate, construction, education, and transportation also contributing. The only sector that did not generate employment was extraterritorial organizations.
Among the new businesses, 21% focused on commerce and automotive repair, 19.6% on manufacturing, and 11.5% on accommodation and food services. These figures highlight the growing impact of MYPES in driving employment and economic growth in El Salvador.
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Senator Eric Schmitt: Thanks to the Leadership of This Administration And Our Friend Nayib Bukele, America Is Safer Today Than It Was Yesterday.
In a significant move against transnational organized crime, El Salvador has received 238 Venezuelan gang members from the United States, following an official announcement by President Nayib Bukele. The individuals, reportedly linked to criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have been transferred to the high-security Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison.
The initiative has garnered praise from officials in Washington, including U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, who acknowledged President Bukele’s leadership in the fight against criminal networks. In a social media statement, Schmitt expressed gratitude, stating, “While you slept, your government sent three planes full of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 thugs to the beautiful prisons of El Salvador. Thanks to the leadership of this administration—and our friend @nayibbukele—America is safer today than it was yesterday.”
President Bukele’s firm stance on combating organized crime has positioned El Salvador as a key player in regional security efforts. His administration has implemented stringent measures to dismantle criminal organizations, including mass incarcerations and the expansion of high-security detention facilities.
The transfer of these gang members underscores the growing cooperation between the United States and El Salvador in addressing transnational crime. As both nations continue to take decisive action against criminal organizations, this latest development marks another step in ensuring regional security and stability.
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President Bukele Ensures Free University Education for Public School Graduates.
El Salvador’s government, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, has launched the Florecimiento strategy, a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees access to free higher education for all public sector high school graduates. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for thousands of young Salvadorans to pursue university, technical, or vocational degrees according to their interests and career aspirations.
«Today we are announcing a scholarship program that benefits all young people in El Salvador, with the only requirement being to obtain good grades, complete the training process, and do community service,» President Bukele stated.
A total of 15,000 scholarships will be awarded under this program. Unlike traditional government scholarships that are limited in number, this initiative significantly expands access to higher education. The scholarships are open to all students who successfully complete their high school education, not just those with the highest GPAs.
The program is the result of a collaboration with 10 universities and specialized higher education institutions across the country. Some of these institutions include Andrés Bello University, Polytechnic University of El Salvador, Pedagogical University of El Salvador, and University of Sonsonate.
President Bukele emphasized that earning a scholarship requires commitment from students. Beneficiaries must complete a comprehensive training process, which includes a course on the DNA of poverty and the culture of integration, along with 40 hours of tutoring per subject in Language and Mathematics. Additionally, students will participate in company training, talks with prominent figures, guided university tours, and 40 hours of volunteer work as part of their preparation.
During the announcement at the National Gymnasium, thousands of students expressed their gratitude for the scholarships and the opportunities they bring. “I am very grateful to the Directorate of Integration and President Bukele because now I have the opportunity to move forward, fulfill my dreams, support my parents, and become a professional,” said Karla Castillo, one of the scholarship recipients.
The appreciation extended beyond education, as many students also acknowledged the government’s efforts in improving national security. Following the transformations in the country, the event echoed with a collective expression of gratitude: «Thank you for the security!»
This initiative represents a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities and fostering the development of future professionals in El Salvador.
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President Bukele Warns: If Mayors Don’t Reverse Tax Increases, They Will Face Extortion Charges.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has announced his intent to file extortion charges against municipal governments that fail to reverse recent tax increases on business operating licenses. The president condemned the drastic rise in fees, citing instances where costs have surged from $100 to $3,000, calling such hikes unjustifiable and labeling them as a form of extortion.
Bukele issued a direct ultimatum to municipal councils across the country, demanding that all fees, licenses, and permits be restored to the amounts charged before the current municipal administrations took office on May 1. He warned that any municipality refusing to comply would be reported to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for extortion.
The president’s warning followed reports of abusive fee increases in multiple municipalities, including an instance in Ahuachapán, where a $200 fee was imposed on telephone vendors. Additionally, some municipalities have introduced charges on businesses for displaying signs on their products. Bukele stressed that such financial burdens contradict his administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and job creation.
According to reports, certain municipal tax hikes have exceeded 200%, forcing many businesses to forgo license renewals, leading to closures and job losses. President Bukele estimated that around 15,000 businesses have shut down as a result, potentially displacing approximately 45,000 workers.
“We are working to revive the economy of a country that has been in the dark for decades. We will not allow bureaucrats to unfairly burden our micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs, ultimately closing businesses that are a fundamental pillar of our economy,” Bukele stated.
His remarks, first shared on his X account and later reaffirmed at a public event, prompted immediate responses from mayors across the country. Some local leaders, including Marcela Pineda of La Paz Este and Jorge Castro of Santa Ana Oeste, expressed their willingness to align with the government’s economic vision. Pineda’s administration, for example, reduced operating license fees to $1 for micro and small businesses.
As Bukele’s deadline for reversing the tax hikes looms, the controversy over municipal business fees continues to unfold, with local governments now under intense scrutiny from both the administration and the business community.
https://twitter.com/PresidenciaSV/status/1901013836867448980