-
El Salvador Sets New Record in Drug Seizures on the High Seas.
On Monday, President Nayib Bukele announced that the National Navy successfully intercepted a vessel carrying 1,500 kilograms of cocaine approximately 1,050 nautical miles (1,945 kilometers) off El Salvador’s coast. The operation resulted in the capture of two Ecuadorian nationals aboard the vessel, with the confiscated drugs valued at $37.5 million.
President Bukele highlighted the unprecedented nature of this operation, calling it “a new distance record.” He also revealed that in 2024 alone, the National Navy has seized 16.7 tons of cocaine in international waters, with an estimated value of $417.7 million.
“This makes 2024 the year with the highest drug seizures in our history,” Bukele stated.
The increase in drug confiscations aligns with the implementation of the Territorial Control Plan, the government’s security strategy launched in June 2019 to combat criminal organizations, including drug trafficking networks. Authorities credit this plan for strengthening maritime operations and significantly disrupting the use of El Salvador’s waters as a transit route for narcotics.
-
El Salvador Empowers Women Entrepreneurs with AI Marketing Workshop.
El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Salvadoran Chamber of Information and Communication Technology (CASATIC) have partnered to support returned migrants and those at risk of migrating. Through this initiative, 40 women entrepreneurs attended an intensive workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Marketing, gaining practical skills in machine learning, natural language processing, and social media advertising to enhance their businesses.
One participant, Marleny Henríquez from Tonacatepeque, applied her new skills to promote her dessert business, Creaciones Marlen. “I’ve learned how to create ads and use social media to grow my business,” she shared. Henríquez urged women to seize opportunities, emphasizing, “If families stay united, anything is possible.”
Part of the Transforming Lives program, the workshop aims to provide sustainable reintegration for returned migrants by combining technical education with life skills. This effort highlights El Salvador’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic empowerment.
-
Daily “Buses Alegres” to Boost Tourism in El Salvador Starting December 25.
Starting December 25, the Salvadoran Institute of Tourism (ISTU) will offer daily departures of the “Buses Alegres,” as announced by ISTU President Eny Aguiñada. These buses will take visitors to various tourist routes and parks managed by the institute, with itineraries shared on their social media platforms.
Departing from San Salvador’s historic downtown, in front of El Calvario Church, the buses begin their journeys at 6:30 a.m. Aguiñada emphasized the flexible programming, which includes visits to cities and national parks, a combination that has been highly successful.
The revamped fleet ensures a comfortable travel experience, featuring air conditioning and accessible seating. To maintain service quality, passengers must reserve their spots via ISTU’s social media channels.
Entry fees to ISTU-managed national parks remain unchanged: $1.50 for Salvadoran nationals and $3 for international visitors. This initiative is expected to enhance the country’s tourism sector by offering affordable, comfortable, and well-organized travel options for locals and tourists alike.
-
Global Leaders Look to El Salvador for Crime-Fighting Solutions.
El Salvador has achieved remarkable success in its fight against organized crime, positioning itself as a global benchmark for combating gang violence and international drug trafficking. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, the country has experienced a historic transformation through initiatives like the Territorial Control Plan and a state of emergency.
This approach has brought peace to families who endured over four decades of gang violence, which claimed the lives of more than 120,000 Salvadorans under previous administrations. By removing El Salvador from the list of the world’s most dangerous nations—a grim status reached in 2015 under the FMLN government—the Bukele administration has made the country the safest in the Western Hemisphere.
Global Interest in the Bukele Model
The success of the Bukele Model has drawn the attention of other nations seeking to address their own security challenges. Recently, Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, under the directive of President Javier Milei, visited El Salvador to study its strategies firsthand.
During her visit, Bullrich toured the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot), where dangerous gang leaders are held under strict conditions. “The Cecot operates under a tough regime, but it’s nothing compared to the atrocities committed by these criminals against Salvadorans,” Bullrich remarked.
She also visited the National Public Security Academy (ANSP), where future police officers are trained to sustain the nation’s newfound tranquility.
Interest from Brazil and Peru
Brazil and Peru have also expressed interest in adopting aspects of the Bukele Model. In Brazil, a delegation of seven federal deputies, including Eduardo Bolsonaro, visited El Salvador to learn about its comprehensive approach to tackling gang violence. Bolsonaro praised Bukele’s success, noting the subsequent boost in tourism, education, and healthcare.
In Peru, the government has faced escalating crime rates, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency in Lima and Callao. Officials, including former Prime Minister Alberto Otárola and Judicial President Javier Arévalo, have explored how elements of El Salvador’s model could be adapted to address Peru’s security crisis.
As El Salvador continues to gain recognition for its achievements in public safety, its strategies offer hope and inspiration to nations seeking to reclaim peace and stability for their citizens.
-
Family Remittances to El Salvador Reach Historic $7.5 Billion Mark, Highlighting Global Support.
Family remittances to El Salvador surpassed an impressive $7.56 billion from January to November 2023, demonstrating the unwavering support of Salvadorans abroad, according to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). This figure represents a $164.7 million increase compared to the same period in 2022, reflecting the vital economic lifeline provided by the Salvadoran diaspora.
The United States remained the largest contributor, accounting for 92.8% of remittances. By November, Salvadorans in the U.S. had sent $7.01 billion, a 1.9% growth year-on-year. Contributions from other countries also saw significant growth, with Canada increasing by 6.7% ($76 million), Spain by 22.2% ($52.5 million), and Italy by 20.8% ($47.6 million). Even the United Kingdom recorded a 9.3% rise, reaching $12.9 million.
Despite a modest overall growth rate of 2.2%, the remittance landscape showcased positive trends. More than 23.79 million transactions were made in the first 10 months of the year, marking a 3.3% increase in operations. Notably, Santa Tecla emerged as a standout, with a remarkable 23% growth in remittances, followed by Candelaria de la Frontera in Santa Ana, which grew by 11.1%.
The average remittance transaction nationwide was $308.7, with Chalatenango and Cabañas leading at $391 and $376.2, respectively. These numbers underscore the strong connections Salvadorans abroad maintain with their families, providing vital support in times of need.
Banks have also played a significant role in facilitating these transactions, handling 38.3% of remittances and seeing a 6.8% growth in flow. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency wallets, though representing just 1% of total remittances, experienced a 2.5% increase, reflecting emerging trends in digital transfers.
With December traditionally being the peak month for remittances due to holiday celebrations, the year is set to end on a high note. The resilience and dedication of Salvadorans living abroad continue to be a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and a source of hope for families across the country.
-
El Salvador’s Bonds Surge After IMF Agreement.
San Salvador – El Salvador’s sovereign bonds have seen significant growth in 2024, with some trading at or above nominal value. This trend accelerated after the IMF announced a $1.4 billion financing agreement with the Salvadoran government on December 18, part of a $3.5 billion support package.
Exor Latin America confirmed that the announcement boosted bond prices, particularly those maturing in 2027 and 2034, which rose to $99.37 and $94.50, respectively. Additionally, the yield on 2025 bonds fell from 10.82% to 7.91%, reflecting reduced investor-perceived risk.
The IMF agreement, viewed as a key step for securing better financing terms and economic stability, also signals international confidence in El Salvador’s financial management. Exor highlighted that this development validates the government’s economic approach and enhances its credibility.
The announcement follows Moody’s upgrade of El Salvador’s credit rating from Caa1 to B3, citing improved security, effective debt management, and better growth prospects. Analysts attribute these gains to domestic fiscal measures, including debt buybacks and a budget approved without external financing.
-
Qatar and El Salvador Collaborate on Economic and Social Initiatives.
In an effort to further boost El Salvador’s economic sectors in international markets, Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira recently met with representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MofaQatar).
The meeting marked the III Round of Bilateral Political Dialogue, aimed at solidifying the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. According to Mira, the discussions reaffirmed a mutual commitment to joint actions and strategies involving key stakeholders.
“We are working to strengthen commercial ties with Qatar by promoting Salvadoran products and services in their market,” said Vice Minister Mira. “Together with Minister Hayem, El Salvador reaffirms its interest in expanding business opportunities and fostering economic growth.”
The discussions emphasized shared priorities such as education, early childhood development, health, culture, and environmental sustainability. Mira reiterated El Salvador’s dedication to bilateral collaboration for the benefit of both nations.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently unveiled the Economic Diplomacy Strategy (EDE) 2025-2029, a roadmap positioning El Salvador as a global investment hub and world-class tourist destination. Highlighting the nation’s internationally recognized security improvements, Mira noted these measures have not only dignified the Salvadoran people but also created a favorable environment for economic development, productive investments, and stronger international relations.
Key goals include promoting El Salvador’s export offerings, attracting investments in strategic sectors, increasing tourism, and signing economic agreements. The meeting with Qatar is seen as a significant step in achieving these objectives.
-
El Salvador Empowers Tourism Entrepreneurs with Innovative Tools.
Sixty-five tourism entrepreneurs in El Salvador completed the “Tourism 360°” training program, designed to boost their digital content creation skills and competitiveness. Organized by the Government of El Salvador, the program focused on digital marketing, social media trends, and using tools like drones and editing software to enhance tourism services.
“This initiative equips entrepreneurs with essential tools to elevate their businesses and meet client expectations,” said Paul Steiner, president of CONAMYPE, which collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to deliver the program.
Supported by KOICA, UNDP, and El Salvador’s Agency for Cooperation (ESCO), the training emphasized innovation and market visibility. ESCO Director Karla de Palma highlighted the program’s role in empowering entrepreneurs and driving sector growth.
The initiative marks a step forward for El Salvador’s tourism industry, preparing entrepreneurs to thrive in a digital and competitive market.
-
Bitcoin Resilience in El Salvador: The Strategic Reserve Growth Proceeds as the Country Signs an Agreement with the IMF.
The International Monetary Fund has come to an agreement with El Salvador to give the country $1.4 billion as the first installment of $3.5 billion to help support the country’s economy. The agreement is, however, subject to the approval of the IMF’s executive board and contains some changes relating to bitcoin including, making it optional for the private sector to accept bitcoin and reducing the role of the public sector in the cryptocurrency.
However, the government of El Salvador has shown that it is still determined to embrace the bitcoin policy. Stacy Herbert, the Director of the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) said that bitcoin will remain legal tender and that the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will be increased. The government also revealed the acquisition of one more bitcoin thus taking the total number of coins to 5,968. With bitcoin rising to $108,268.45 per unit in the recent market, the reserve value has reached more than $642 million with 140% return on investment and $370 million in unrealized gains.
Besides of the current activities, such as education programs, training of civil servants on bitcoin, and developing capital the market, the global confidence in El Salvador’s bitcoin assets has also improved the bond prices of the country thus strengthening its financial standing and putting it in the forefront of countries that accept bitcoin.
-
From Los Angeles to Stockholm: Salvadoran Scholar Shines at Nobel Future Leaders Program.
Representatives of El Salvador’s diaspora continue to make their homeland proud, showcasing their dedication, talent, and potential on the global stage. One remarkable example is Hunter Doradea, a Salvadoran-American from Los Angeles, USA.
After years of excelling as a fencer, model, and student, Doradea has added another impressive achievement to his growing list of accolades: his selection for the Nobel Future Leaders Scholar (FNLS) program.
The initiative, created by the Forum on Education Abroad and the Nobel Prize Museum, identifies exceptional university students from around the world to collaborate on innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Doradea was one of only 11 participants chosen for this elite program, which includes project-based coursework, international field studies, and active learning opportunities.
As part of the program, Doradea participated in the Nobel Week Dialogue held in Stockholm, Sweden, from December 5-12. There, he presented the AI-driven project that earned him this prestigious scholarship. His initiative leverages artificial intelligence to aid war-torn countries in rebuilding and preserving infrastructure.
“Many times, infrastructure deteriorates because people lack the capacity to maintain and operate it,” Doradea explained. His project introduces AI-powered avatars of engineers, educators, and humanitarian workers who act as virtual mentors, providing essential knowledge to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
The inspiration for this project came from his mother’s experiences during El Salvador’s civil war, which forced her to leave the country in search of better opportunities in the United States. “I am committed to ensuring that others don’t face the same obstacles,” Doradea shared in an interview with Columbia University, where he is pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Film. He is the first student from Columbia to be selected for the FNLS program.
Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of Columbia University, praised Doradea’s achievement: “We are incredibly proud of Hunter’s accomplishments. He is an exceptionally creative student with a highly innovative and impactful project. I have no doubt he will make extraordinary contributions to society through his public service, technological advancements, and policy-focused initiatives.”
During his time in Sweden, Doradea was accompanied by El Salvador’s ambassador to the country, who commended his efforts: “Hunter is a shining example of Salvadoran talent on a global scale. His presentation in Stockholm reaffirms that our youth are the future, and our government is committed to supporting them.”
Hunter Doradea’s story is a testament to the perseverance, creativity, and excellence of El Salvador’s diaspora, as well as the transformative potential of education and innovation.