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Japan Donates $221,275 for Drinking Water Projects in Santa Ana and Morazán.
The Embassy of Japan in El Salvador has signed two donation agreements to implement drinking water projects in Santa Ana and Morazán, under the Non-Reimbursable Financial Assistance Program for Community-Based Human Security Projects (APCS). With a total allocation of $221,275, these projects aim to improve access to safe drinking water for hundreds of residents.
The first project, with an investment of $143,500, will introduce a drinking water system in La Magdalena canton, Chalchuapa, Santa Ana, benefiting a local school and over 600 residents who currently rely on a natural spring for water. The second project, valued at $77,775, will construct a water storage tank in the San Antonio neighborhood, Joateca, Morazán, improving the drinking water system and expanding home water service to more than 1,300 residents.
The signing ceremony was attended by Japanese Ambassador Hoshino Yoshitaka and representatives from the San Salvador Maquilishuat Rotary Club, the Las Tablas Community Development Association, and the Joateca-Morazán Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Environmental System Administrator Association. The projects will also engage local community members, who will contribute unskilled labor.
«With this signing of the agreement for both projects, we contribute to the development of communities in El Salvador, especially the most vulnerable, through direct financial support for community and local organizations,» the Japanese Embassy stated.
These initiatives reflect Japan’s continued commitment to improving living conditions in El Salvador by strengthening access to essential services and supporting sustainable community development.
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Costa Rican Media Spotlights El Salvador’s Tourism Surge.
El Salvador is experiencing a significant boom in its tourism sector, while Costa Rica’s tourism industry struggles with a notable decline, driven by growing public insecurity. The disparity between the two countries was highlighted in a recent broadcast by Costa Rica’s Noticiero Repretel (NR), which noted that El Salvador and Guatemala have surpassed Costa Rica in attracting visitors.
According to NR, “Costa Rica is no longer the most visited country in Central America. Guatemala and El Salvador now attract more tourists.” The report highlighted that, in 2024, El Salvador is expected to welcome 3.9 million visitors, while Guatemala will receive 3.2 million. Costa Rica, once the region’s tourism leader, now ranks third with only 2.7 million visitors.
This trend is a stark contrast to the increasing violence and insecurity plaguing Costa Rica, where homicides have risen dramatically. Costa Rican citizens, including hoteliers interviewed by NR, revealed that the decline in tourism is largely due to the murder of foreign visitors and the country’s high costs. As one interviewee remarked, «I know Costa Ricans who prefer to go to other countries for tourism because Costa Rica is very expensive.»
El Salvador, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, has implemented significant security measures, such as a state of emergency, which have contributed to a safer environment for both locals and tourists. In contrast, Costa Rica continues to experience a surge in violent crime. In the first 22 days of 2025, Costa Rica saw five more homicides than during the same period in 2024, according to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
As El Salvador continues to see increasing international interest, the country’s tourism sector is thriving, surpassing expectations, with nearly 4 million visitors projected for 2024. Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s tourism industry faces a tough battle to regain its position as the region’s top destination.
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El Salvador Reports Another Drop in Inflation for February.
El Salvador has reaffirmed its position as the Central American country least affected by inflation, recording a new low of 0.06% in February, according to data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). This marks a decrease of 0.25 percentage points from January’s 0.31%.
The February figure continues the trend of low inflation levels in recent years, positioning El Salvador as the most resilient economy in the region. By comparison, Honduras reported an inflation rate of 1.76%, Guatemala recorded 1.79%, and Costa Rica stood at 1.25%. Data for Nicaragua was unavailable at the time of reporting.
Key economic sectors have also experienced deflation, with notable price reductions in food and non-alcoholic beverages (-0.55%), clothing and footwear (-0.30%), furniture and household goods (-2.24%), and transportation (-3.30%).
The Government of El Salvador attributes this price stability to strategic measures, including the establishment of 56 agricultural markets, the Soyapango Central Supply Center, and continuous market monitoring by various institutions. These initiatives have helped mitigate the impact of global economic challenges, ensuring stability for Salvadoran consumers.
With these efforts, El Salvador remains a standout in the region, demonstrating effective economic management and resilience against inflationary pressures.
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San Salvador Hosts the 20th UCCI Meeting to Strengthen Urban Diplomacy.
San Salvador has become the epicenter of urban diplomacy as it hosts the 20th Meeting of International Relations Directors of the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI). The event brings together representatives from 29 Ibero-American cities to exchange experiences, tackle common challenges, and define strategies for sustainable development.
Mayor Mario Durán, who also serves as Co-President of UCCI, emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, «Since 1996, the UCCI has united mayors and coordinators to address shared challenges. Today, San Salvador is the cradle of dialogue and new initiatives that will shape the future of our Ibero-American cities.»
The meeting, held in San Salvador Centro, showcases the city’s remarkable transformation. Mayor Durán will present the Centro Histórico de San Salvador as a success story in urban recovery, demonstrating how, in just four years, the city has evolved into a model of innovation, sustainability, and order.
As the host city, San Salvador welcomes delegations from 19 major cities, including Barcelona, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Santiago, and São Paulo, among others. The event serves as a key platform for strengthening cooperation, establishing joint action plans, and preparing for the upcoming UCCI General Assembly in Buenos Aires later this year.
Almudena Maíllo del Valle, Secretary General of UCCI, underscored the significance of this gathering, encouraging participants to contribute innovative ideas that will shape the organization’s future. «This meeting is a unique opportunity to consolidate the voice of our cities on the global stage,» she remarked.
The two-day event will also focus on technical cooperation and training, essential pillars of UCCI’s mission. Discussions will address ongoing projects, the impact of capacity-building programs on local governance, and strategies to expand international partnerships.
With this meeting, San Salvador reaffirms its leadership in urban diplomacy, setting a precedent for future collaborations that will drive sustainable and inclusive development across Ibero-American cities.
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Strategic Investments in El Salvador Surpass $2.5 Billion Under OPAMSS Leadership.
Under the leadership of Luis Rodríguez, the San Salvador Metropolitan Area Planning Office (OPAMSS) has made significant strides, surpassing $2.5 billion in investments across various sectors in just ten months. The investment covers housing, hotel, warehousing, logistics, distribution, commercial, and mixed-use projects located in strategic areas within OPAMSS’s influence, including the districts of La Libertad Este and Costa.
Rodríguez expressed satisfaction with the growth, stating that the investment figures continue to rise, reaffirming the institution’s target of maintaining an $8 billion investment for the current five-year period. «The numbers continue to grow, and that fills us with satisfaction,» he said, adding that the goal of surpassing $5 billion in remaining investments would require increased efficiency in managing and responding to the demands of the private sector.
As part of OPAMSS’s ongoing work, Rodríguez mentioned the reorganization of several projects, focusing on reorienting investments and refining requirements. «We’ve strengthened the planning area, which allows for faster assessments and more effective collaborations with the private sector,» he noted.
A highlight of the recent investments is the $2.7 million DHL Global Forwarding warehouse, inaugurated on February 25th. The 4,000 square meter facility with 6,500 storage positions in Apopa, San Salvador Este, is a significant development in the logistics sector. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of such projects, noting that 51% of projects in San Salvador Este and 46% in San Salvador Oeste are in warehousing and logistics.
Óscar Ayala, DHL Country Manager, credited OPAMSS’s support for the timely delivery of the warehouse, highlighting the collaboration with Unifica, the construction company, as key to meeting the needs of DHL’s customers. The new infrastructure has already generated 30 new jobs and reached 70% occupancy in less than a month.
Rodríguez added, «This is one of the first projects we received in OPAMSS, and it was completed in just a few months. It’s a testament to the success of President Nayib Bukele’s strategy of promoting strategic investment in areas with strong interconnectivity.»
OPAMSS continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the region’s infrastructure and economic development.
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El Salvador Takes Firm Steps in Eliminating Drug Traffickers.
Minister of Justice recently announced the capture of Daniel Alejandro Guzmán Rodríguez, alias «Pitufo,» one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the region. His arrest marks a significant victory in the country’s ongoing fight against drug-related crime.
According to Minister of Justice and Public Security Gustavo Villatoro, the government remains committed to eliminating those who manufacture and distribute illicit drugs. «We will eliminate from our society those who manufacture and sell the poison of drugs. Now the full weight of the law will fall upon them, and we, as a state, will ensure that they never see the light of day again,» Villatoro stated.
The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the National Civil Police (PNC), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Supreme Court (Corte Suprema de Justicia), and Guatemalan authorities. Guzmán Rodríguez was initially apprehended in Guatemala in August 2024 after attempting to flee El Salvador and change his identity to evade justice.
Since 2010, he operated a clandestine drug laboratory in Ahuachapán, where he stored and processed narcotics for distribution throughout western and central El Salvador. Now extradited and back in Salvadoran custody, he faces a 30-year sentence for homicide and additional charges for illicit trafficking and criminal association.
The Salvadoran government affirms that it has all necessary tools to continue dismantling criminal networks and will persist in collaborating with international partners to bring criminals to justice.
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El Salvador Modernizes Agromarkets to Benefit Farmers and Consumers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has completed the renovation of more than 50 of the 56 agricultural markets nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance convenience for families shopping at these establishments while expanding access to locally grown food products.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Óscar Domínguez, the improvements will facilitate a greater supply of essential food basket products, as national production of vegetables, greens, and fruits continues to rise. «This growth is due to the new and improved production zones established last year,» Domínguez stated.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, MAG is committed to ensuring fair competition in pricing. «Price stability and increased supply have been maintained since November 2024, thanks to a staggered cultivation system implemented in both protected and open-air structures nationwide,» the deputy minister added.
Domínguez encouraged Salvadorans to support local farmers by purchasing their food from Agromercados and the Central de Abastos (Bastos Central Market). «Every purchase at these markets directly supports thousands of Salvadoran farmers and helps maintain fair competition, ensuring stable food prices and fair earnings for producers,» he emphasized.
Through these initiatives, the government continues to promote economic dynamism, food security, and a more equitable agricultural market for all Salvadorans.
https://twitter.com/AgriculturaSV/status/1898148908414501203
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El Salvador Expands Coffee Trade as Exports Nearly Double.
The rich flavor notes of Salvadoran coffee continue to captivate global markets, driving an 89% surge in coffee exports in January 2025. According to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), exports reached $7.8 million, a significant increase from the $4.1 million recorded in the same month of 2024.
BCR data shows that 33,000 quintals of coffee were sold at an average price of $237.80 per quintal. The primary destinations for Salvadoran coffee included the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Cuba, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, and South Korea.
The Salvadoran government remains committed to expanding the presence of its prized golden bean in international markets. Recent trade efforts have focused on strengthening ties with Argentina, Australia, Canada, and Turkey, among other countries. Notably, in mid-February, a Turkish trade mission expressed keen interest in increasing imports of Salvadoran coffee after meeting with the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC) to explore the country’s exceptional varieties.
As part of the Economic Diplomacy Strategy, Salvadoran embassies and consulates worldwide are actively promoting Café El Salvador through tastings and networking activities to connect with potential buyers. Additionally, sugar exports also showed strong performance, reaching over $19 million in January, with 518,000 quintals sold at an average price of $36.80 each.
El Salvador’s robust trade efforts continue to position its coffee and sugar industries for sustained growth in global markets.
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El Salvador and Italy Strengthen Bilateral Relations Through Political Dialogue.
The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, Adriana Mira, met with Italian officials to reaffirm Italy as a strategic ally for El Salvador. This fruitful dialogue strengthened bilateral relations and paved the way for new opportunities in cooperation and joint development.
As part of these diplomatic efforts, the Third Italy-El Salvador Political Dialogue was co-chaired by His Holiness Giorgio Silli and Vice-Minister Adriana Mira. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral political relations, exploring economic opportunities, and addressing key regional issues. Additionally, both parties emphasized the importance of legal diplomacy and various cooperation projects aimed at fostering sustainable development.
This high-level meeting underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening ties and fostering mutual growth through diplomacy and collaboration.
https://twitter.com/AdrianaMiraSV/status/1899830472567394766
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El Salvador’s Economy Thrives with Export, Import, and Investment Growth.
The year 2025 has begun with positive economic indicators, as Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem announced a projected 3% growth in exports compared to January 2024. This promising start reflects ongoing economic momentum and increased international trade activity.
Imports have also seen a notable rise, with a 15% growth, which Hayem emphasized as crucial for supporting the country’s ongoing economic transformations.
Additionally, remittances have experienced significant growth, increasing by 13%. The minister acknowledged the vital contribution of Salvadorans working abroad, primarily in the United States, whose hard-earned money continues to fuel the national economy.
«Every week, we receive good news—new investments, new product launches, and business expansions,» Hayem stated. She highlighted that companies like Nestlé, TELUS, and Unilever expanded their operations last year, reinforcing the country’s economic progress.
The real estate sector is also experiencing growth, with a $50 million hotel and housing project set to generate 800 new jobs. Furthermore, El Salvador is advancing in the aeronautical and logistics sectors with the AirCity free trade zone project in La Paz. With an investment of $250 million, this initiative aims to boost economic development and attract further investments.
With these developments, El Salvador continues to strengthen its position as a key player in regional economic growth.
