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El Salvador’s Customs Strengthens Foreign Trade Efficiency.
The General Directorate of Customs (DGA) in El Salvador is advancing efforts to enhance foreign trade efficiency through strategic partnerships and initiatives.
As part of these efforts, Customs Director Benjamín Mayorga recently visited Dataplex, a company in the agricultural sector, to explore opportunities for collaboration. During the visit, Mayorga invited the company to join the Reliable Operator program, which offers key benefits and trade facilitation tools to optimize operations.
«We continue to promote growth and efficiency in foreign trade so that the country strengthens its international position,» Mayorga stated.
Additionally, Customs recently signed an agreement with the Business Alliance for Secure Trade (BASC) to reinforce trade security and facilitation in El Salvador. Mayorga emphasized that this partnership will establish streamlined mechanisms to validate logistics security criteria and promote the Reliable Operator and BASC El Salvador programs.
With these initiatives, El Salvador aims to bolster its trade capabilities and secure its place in the global market.
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El Salvador’s Consumer Ombudsman Recovers $6.2 Million in Favor of Consumers.
The Consumer Ombudsman’s Office (DC) in El Salvador has successfully recovered nearly $6.2 million for over 2,500 consumers in the first two months of the year, according to the institution’s president, Ricardo Salazar.
The financial sector accounted for the largest portion of the recovered funds, with nearly $4.7 million benefiting more than 1,200 Salvadorans. Additionally, the office secured $730,000 in the real estate sector, $241,000 in the vehicle sector, and $170,000 in the tourism sector.
“These figures show how our Ombudsman’s Office is acting in accordance with the law, addressing consumer issues efficiently to provide timely solutions,” said Salazar.
In addition to financial recoveries, the Sanctioning Court of the Ombudsman’s Office has imposed over $193,000 in fines in early 2025. The institution has also assisted more than 20,000 consumers nationwide through complaint processing and consultations, particularly in sectors such as electricity, plumbing, furniture repairs, and appliance services.
Salazar highlighted cases involving improper credit card or loan charges, contract breaches, and issues related to internet services. He also noted a 4% increase in consumer consultations compared to 2024, with approximately 70% conducted through digital platforms.
With these efforts, the Consumer Ombudsman’s Office continues to strengthen consumer rights and ensure compliance with legal protections in El Salvador.
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El Salvador’s Vision for Economic Sustainability: Empowering Small Businesses Through Digitalization.
El Salvador reaffirmed its commitment to supporting micro and small businesses (MYPEs) by promoting their economic development through digital transformation. The National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) signed a memorandum of understanding with Grupo Infinito Technologies to provide digital tools and solutions to MYPEs across the country.
Paul Steiner, president of CONAMYPE, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that economic sustainability can only be achieved through the inclusion of all sectors. “The national economy is the sum of all local economies. The only way to achieve growth on a macro scale is by working on the micro level,” Steiner said.
The agreement aims to benefit over 3,000 businesses, positively impacting more than 10,000 families and reaching approximately 38,000 people. Grupo Infinito Technologies will offer digital solutions at no cost to participating businesses, enabling them to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the digital marketplace.
Antonio Arrué, CEO and founder of Grupo Infinito Technologies, emphasized the importance of digital transformation for the country’s economic growth. “We are contributing to the empowerment of micro and small businesses with a tool that will support 1,000 businesses per year at zero cost,” Arrué stated.
CONAMYPE will identify businesses with the right profile to participate in the initiative, which will help them optimize processes, enhance business management, and accelerate their growth.
This collaboration aligns with President Bukele’s vision of fostering sustainable economic development through innovation and digital inclusion.
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El Salvador Records Historic Surge in New Business Registrations in Early 2025
El Salvador has kicked off 2025 with promising figures in the registration of new businesses and companies, according to Camilo Trigueros, Executive Director of the National Registration Center (CNR).
Official CNR data reveals that between January and February, 1,150 new companies were registered. “If the trend continues, we could end the year with more than 6,000 – possibly reaching 7,000 – new companies established in the country,” Trigueros stated.
He emphasized that this increase indicates growing confidence among both local and foreign entrepreneurs in the country’s business environment. The surge is particularly driven by Simplified Joint Stock Companies (SAS), along with anonymous and variable capital companies.
The services sector leads the way in new business creation, especially in gastronomy, tourism, and construction. Trigueros attributed this growth to the government’s security policies under President Nayib Bukele, which have fostered a safer environment for investment.
Additionally, intellectual property registrations have reached historic levels, reflecting streamlined processes and the ease of doing business in the country. The CNR currently offers 301 services with same-day responses at no extra cost, with approximately 120 services available online.
The outlook remains optimistic as El Salvador positions itself as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors.
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Metrocable to Carry 3,500 Passengers Per Hour, Cutting Travel Time to 14 Minutes.
The Government of El Salvador has unveiled exciting new details about the Metrocable project, a modern transit system set to revolutionize urban mobility between Mejicanos and San Salvador. The system is expected to transport 3,500 passengers per hour in each direction, significantly reducing travel time to just 14 minutes along the 3.36-kilometer route.
Designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, the Metrocable will feature 147 cabins, each accommodating 10 seated passengers. The cabins will operate at six meters per second, offering a clean, fast, and reliable alternative to traditional transportation. The service will run 18 hours a day, 355 days a year, providing consistent and accessible transit for thousands of daily commuters.
A key highlight of the project is its focus on inclusivity. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has announced that students, faculty, and staff from the University of El Salvador (UES) will benefit from preferential fares, making the Metrocable an affordable option for the university community.
With two intermediate stations planned at UES and the Government Center, the system will improve connectivity between key areas of the capital, reducing congestion and promoting eco-friendly transit. The Metrocable represents a major step forward in the government’s vision of a more efficient and sustainable urban transportation network.
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El Salvador Advances in Global Tourism and Cultural Promotion Rankings.
El Salvador continues to rise in international rankings and specialized publications focused on tourism, destinations, and national image, thanks to its ongoing efforts in cultural promotion, tourism development, and digital infrastructure strengthening, as highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This February, El Salvador reached position 82 out of 175 countries in the Global Soft Power Index 2025, a prestigious ranking by Brand Finance, a global leader in brand evaluation. The index recognized El Salvador as a “rising star” and the fastest-growing national brand worldwide, climbing 35 positions in the global ranking.
The Global Soft Power Index is based on a survey of over 170,000 people across 100+ countries, offering a comprehensive analysis of how nations are perceived amid global changes and challenges.
Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Diplomatic and Consular Network and the Directorates of Economic Relations and Cultural, Gastronomic, and Sports Promotion, has played a key role in this progress.
“This ranking reflects our country’s continuous efforts and strategic actions to enhance its global presence. It highlights progress in areas such as security, economic promotion, international cooperation, and overall national image,” Hill stated.
To further improve its global standing, El Salvador will continue prioritizing tourism promotion, cultural development, digital infrastructure, and international trade relations. The government is also committed to fostering cooperation on global challenges like sustainability and innovation.
Expanding Global Presence
Minister Hill stressed the importance of participating in multilateral forums and forming new strategic alliances to solidify El Salvador’s soft power rankings.
El Salvador has actively participated in international tourism fairs, including the Montreal Travel and Tourism Show in Canada, Travel Market in Qatar, Visit Latin America in Belgium, Global Marketplace DC in New York, and Central America’s Most Vibrant Country event in Japan. The country has also gained visibility in leading publications such as the Latin American Travel Association (UK), Wanderlust (UK), and Norway’s Green Travel List.
Throughout 2024, El Salvador has appeared in over 36 international publications, including Spain’s Ria Diplomática, Turkiye’s HORECA Trend, India’s Travel Jingles, and various media outlets in China.
Cultural Diplomacy: Showcasing El Salvador’s Identity
The Directorate of Cultural, Gastronomic, and Sports Promotion continues to project El Salvador’s renewed global image through cultural diplomacy. This initiative aims to highlight the country’s traditions, arts, and history beyond past narratives of violence.
“Cultural diplomacy allows us to promote a positive and renewed image of El Salvador, reinforcing its identity and traditions,” Minister Hill explained. She also emphasized that Salvadoran culture serves as a tool for mutual understanding, enabling other nations to appreciate its history from a fresh perspective.
Under the initiative ‘El Salvador Renace,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes Salvadoran art, music, literature, and traditions, positioning the country as a symbol of creativity and resilience. Under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador continues to transform its international perception and solidify its role as a key player in global tourism and cultural diplomacy.
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El Salvador Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Egypt.
El Salvador continues to expand its international relations with strategic partners, as Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco received the style copies from the Egyptian Ambassador to Guatemala, Hattem Mahmoud Abdelhalim Hassouba, who is also accredited to El Salvador.
During their meeting, both officials discussed key areas of mutual interest, including coffee, agriculture, the textile industry, and trade opportunities. These sectors present significant potential for collaboration between El Salvador and Egypt, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Additionally, they explored South-South cooperation as a crucial mechanism for advancing joint projects that contribute to the social and economic development of both nations. Strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Egypt aligns with El Salvador’s broader strategy to engage with global partners and create new opportunities for investment and trade.
Through these initiatives, El Salvador continues to build strong international alliances that drive progress and development for the country.
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Salvadoran Companies Participate in MWC 2025, Showcasing Innovation and Technology.
A delegation of seven Salvadoran technology companies participated in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, reinforcing El Salvador’s position as a growing hub for innovation and digital transformation. The delegation was accompanied by Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem, as part of the government’s strategy to internationalize the country’s technology industry and strengthen its digital ecosystem.
The Salvadoran companies—Elaniin (AI and cybersecurity), Vertex Studio (gaming and AI), Unplug (web solutions), EJJE (retail technological innovation), Aracarii (software development), and Wingman Support (virtual assistance and software development)—were able to attend the event with support from the International Trade Center (ITC) and the European Union.
By participating in MWC 2025, El Salvador is positioning itself as a center for technological innovation, supporting businesses that provide IT services, mobile applications, and business process outsourcing (BPO). The Salvadoran delegation was located in Hall 6 of the FIRA convention center, where over 1,100 exhibitors from around the world gathered for the prestigious event.
These companies are part of the Ilamatepec Project, an initiative aimed at expanding Salvadoran businesses into international markets through training, technical assistance, and business opportunities. MWC 2025 provided them with a platform to connect with global investors and demonstrate how Salvadoran talent meets international technological demands.
Additionally, industry leaders like Huawei emphasized the importance of integrating innovative technological solutions in both private and public sectors. Roberto Marroquín, director of Huawei Cloud for Central America and the Caribbean, highlighted the company’s efforts to help businesses leverage technology for operational efficiency.
Through initiatives like this, the Salvadoran government continues to promote the country’s digital transformation and support its entrepreneurs in reaching global markets.
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El Salvador Government Launches New Emergency Room at San Juan de Dios Hospital.
The Government of El Salvador has inaugurated a new adult and pediatric emergency room at San Juan de Dios National Hospital in Santa Ana. The project, executed with an investment of $7.3 million, aims to improve healthcare services by separating emergency care for children and adults.
Under President Nayib Bukele’s vision that «the public has to be better than the private,» the Ministry of Health (Minsal) and the Rafael Meza Ayau Foundation (FRMA) collaborated to renovate and expand the hospital’s emergency area. The government contributed $6.1 million, while the remaining funds came from the foundation and its partners.
This modernization effort includes state-of-the-art medical equipment, making the new emergency room the most advanced in both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country. Minister of Health Francisco Alabi emphasized that the initiative strengthens emergency response capacity for both adults and children in western El Salvador.
“One of the best emergency facilities in the entire country is being consolidated, both in the public and private sectors. This is achieved thanks to the effort and vision entrusted by President Bukele, who has asked us to do everything possible to safeguard the lives of the population. These facilities are fully equipped with cutting-edge technology,” said Alabi.
The renovation will triple the hospital’s capacity to handle medical emergencies and includes specialized areas for critical care, operating rooms, minor surgery, and ophthalmology—an entirely new service made possible by this project.
Carla Meyer, executive director of FRMA, highlighted the importance of separating pediatric and adult emergency areas, which will enhance care quality for children. “It has been an incredible job. We believe in collective impact, and we have successfully renovated the entire emergency department with two separate areas. This will allow children to recover faster with the best care,” Meyer stated.
Health authorities expect this project to significantly benefit the western population, who rely on emergency medical services daily. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Minsal to enhance the country’s hospital network and improve healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
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San Salvador to Host Latin American Officials for Historic Center Revitalization Exchange.
The Historic Center of San Salvador is set to welcome a delegation of 24 municipal officials from 20 Latin American cities next week. The visit aims to provide insights into the city’s ongoing efforts in the recovery and revitalization of public spaces, according to Manuel Rodríguez Joachín, manager of cooperation and international relations at the San Salvador Centro mayor’s office.
“Next week, we will receive 24 municipal representatives from 20 cities in Latin America who will have the opportunity to learn about the process of recovery and revitalization of the Historic Center,” Rodríguez Joachín announced.
As part of their visit, the delegation will explore various restored sites, including Cuscatlán Park and the Los Ilustres cemetery, along with key areas of the revitalized Historic Center. The officials will gain firsthand experience of San Salvador’s urban renewal strategies and how they have transformed the capital’s core.
Additionally, the officials will hold one of their two annual meetings as directors of international relations and coordinators of the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI). This marks the first time the meeting will take place outside of Madrid, Spain.
“The decision to hold the meeting was made due to the new security environment that is now experienced in El Salvador, thanks to the strategies promoted by President Nayib Bukele,” said Rodríguez Joachín. He added that UCCI’s choice to convene in San Salvador reflects the growing international interest in the country’s advancements in public security.
Mario Durán, mayor of San Salvador Centro, was appointed co-president of the UCCI at the end of last year, following the First Meeting of Ibero-American Cities in Madrid. His leadership will play a key role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among Latin American cities on urban recovery and security policies.
