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Costa Rican and Peruvian Officials Visit San Salvador to Learn from Urban Planning and Security Strategies.
Officials from Costa Rica and Peru recently visited San Salvador to learn about the city’s urban planning and security strategies, as part of a program organized by ONWARD International. The delegation, which included mayors and councilors from both countries, focused on the Sivar Seguro municipal security strategy and the revitalization efforts in the Historic Center of the Salvadoran capital.
The exchange aimed to share best practices and experiences in urban development, security, and international cooperation. The visiting officials toured the renovated Historic Center of San Salvador, where they observed significant improvements in infrastructure and public spaces. They also participated in discussions about the strategies that have contributed to enhancing citizen security in the capital.
The Mayor’s Office of San Salvador emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between Costa Rica, Peru, and El Salvador to build safer and more resilient communities. «The visit reinforces the commitment of Costa Rica, Peru, and El Salvador to move forward together towards safer and more developed societies,» the municipality stated.
This collaborative effort highlights the ongoing regional commitment to improving urban environments and ensuring the safety of citizens across the three nations.
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Mexican Businessmen Project 8% Growth in Investment in El Salvador by 2024.
Mexican businessmen with operations in El Salvador are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects, expecting to close 2024 with an investment increase of between 7% and 8%. This projection was shared by the Mexico-El Salvador Business Council (Conmexsal) during the VIII High-Level Business Dialogue, held at the Mexican Embassy in El Salvador.
In 2023, Mexican foreign direct investment (FDI) in El Salvador reached $1,132 million, accounting for 10% of the total FDI received by the country. For 2024, this figure is expected to exceed $1,200 million. José Luis Netzahualcóyotl, president of Conmexsal, emphasized that the improvement in security and legal certainty, coupled with tax incentives from President Nayib Bukele’s administration, has motivated more than 40 Mexican companies to increase their investments.
Notable investments include a $200 million plant expansion by Grupo Bimbo, a Conmexsal member, and the entry of five new Mexican companies into the Salvadoran market this year. Netzahualcóyotl also highlighted that Conmexsal’s advisory services, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy and local authorities, played a key role in encouraging this influx.
Ambassador Ricardo Cantú Garza praised the increasing presence of Mexican companies, noting that the country’s improved security conditions have been a critical factor in boosting investment. «Security is very important in the variables that are needed to invest in a country, and I believe that El Salvador has made important progress in that aspect,» he said.
Looking ahead, Netzahualcóyotl revealed plans to further strengthen the council’s activities in 2025, including the organization of two trade missions to El Salvador, aimed at expanding Mexican business opportunities in the region. He also announced the launch of a new monthly newsletter, Mexico in Business, to highlight the ongoing developments and opportunities for collaboration between Mexican companies and Salvadoran talent.
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Travel Awards gives El Salvador the Next Big Destination award.
El Salvador has been named the «Next Big Destination» at the 2024 Matador Network Travel Awards, a prestigious recognition highlighting the country’s transformation into a must-visit travel spot. This award celebrates destinations with a bright future, and El Salvador’s remarkable reinvention is drawing attention from travelers worldwide.
Once known for its instability, El Salvador has undergone significant security reforms, now being recognized as one of the safest destinations in Central America. The Travel Awards committee acknowledged the country’s transformation, stating, «El Salvador, once known for its violence and instability, has shed its reputation for danger and emerged as one of the safest destinations in Central America.»
The country’s diverse offerings were also celebrated, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes now attracting an increasing number of international visitors. “With its growing infrastructure, the country is becoming a center for both backpackers and high-end tourists, offering a sample of Central American hospitality and adventure,” the committee noted.
Government investments in tourism, alongside the hosting of major sporting and beauty events, have been pivotal in positioning El Salvador on the global tourism map. By the end of 2024, the country is expected to welcome 3.8 million travelers, generating $3.8 billion in foreign currency income.
The regional director for the Americas at UN Tourism, Gustavo Santos, also expressed growing international interest, stating, «The desire to know El Salvador is great.»
As the country continues to develop and showcase its vast potential, El Salvador is firmly establishing itself as a top-tier tourist destination ready to welcome visitors from around the globe.
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Government of El Salvador Launches Plan to Eradicate Child Labor in Construction Sector.
The Government of President Nayib Bukele continues to prioritize the well-being and development of Salvadoran children by intensifying efforts to eliminate child labor across all sectors.
In a significant step forward, the Minister of Labor, Rolando Castro, in collaboration with the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction (CASALCO), announced a joint plan aimed at preventing and eradicating child labor in the construction industry.
“This morning, we are launching a comprehensive strategy to address child labor prevention and eradication. It is vital to raise awareness about existing measures and ensure their stability,” stated Carlos Peña, Director of International Relations at the Ministry of Labor.
Minister Castro highlighted the ministry’s systematic approach to tackling this issue since assuming office, emphasizing the importance of gradual and prioritized actions. “Today, we formalize our commitment to preventing and eradicating child labor in the construction sector,” he said.
The minister also noted that inspections—both scheduled and surprise—conducted in the construction sector have not revealed any instances of child labor. “We will now focus on achieving certification to declare the construction sector free of child labor. This includes targeted inspections to ensure no children are working in this field,” he explained.
Minister Castro emphasized that this effort goes beyond legal compliance and international mandates. “The eradication of child labor is a matter of principles and values. Our goal is to ensure that all Salvadoran children have the right to education, recreation, and a safe environment,” he added.
The president of CASALCO, José A. Velasquez, reiterated the organization’s commitment to social responsibility. “We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Labor to uphold ethical and transparent practices. This collaboration reflects our dedication to improving the quality of life for Salvadoran children and their families,” he said.
This initiative demonstrates the unwavering commitment of President Bukele’s administration to safeguarding the rights and future of Salvadoran children, ensuring they grow in a secure and nurturing environment.
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El Salvador Government Boosts Academic Growth with Local and International Scholarships.
The government of President Nayib Bukele is committed to fostering academic and professional development by offering scholarships for higher education both within El Salvador and abroad. Through collaboration with international partners, the initiative aims to provide competitive career opportunities in the global workforce.
The Salvadoran Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO) has announced nearly 20 open calls for scholarships abroad. “We currently have 19 active calls on our website. Young people can explore opportunities in countries like the People’s Republic of China. This Thursday, we’ll visit the eastern region of the country and later Cuscatlán to guide applicants through the process,” said ESCO Director General Karla de Palma.
Since its inception, the agency has facilitated nearly 2,000 scholarships with support from strategic partners, enabling recipients to give back to the country while accessing better career prospects. The scholarships address priority areas such as healthcare and social investment, aligning with the Bukele administration’s development goals.
Opportunities range from virtual programs to fully-funded international studies, covering expenses such as accommodation, living costs, and tuition. Programs include master’s degrees, doctorates, postgraduate courses, and short-term training. Interested applicants can apply via esco.gob.sv.
The Bukele government remains committed to strengthening international relations and prioritizing initiatives that empower the nation’s youth through education and skill-building.
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First Chocolate and Wine Pairing Event Highlights Salvadoran Cacao in Portugal.
In a bid to create new opportunities for the commercialization of Salvadoran cacao, the Salvadoran Embassy in Portugal hosted the first-ever “Chocolate and Wine Pairing” event on November 28. The event, organized in collaboration with The Cacau Club, Rego Wine, and Tribe Sorbetes, showcased the exceptional quality of Salvadoran cacao, marking a significant milestone in promoting this product internationally.
The event featured cacao of the “criollo” variety, renowned for its smooth and less bitter flavor compared to other Latin American regions. With roots tracing back to pre-Columbian times, Salvadoran cacao has primarily found a market in the United States, but this initiative aims to expand its reach into Europe.
Rosário Cunha, founder of Portugal-based The Cacau Club, proposed the event. Cunha presented five varieties of chocolate crafted from Salvadoran cacao, sourced from Poco a Poco, VaIcacao, and Cacao en Broma. Complementing the chocolate were award-winning wines provided by Rego Fine Wine, a century-old winery from Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, and vegan sorbets from Tribe Açaí, sustainably produced in Portugal using Brazilian-imported fruits.
The pairing event drew Portuguese business leaders interested in investment opportunities with Salvadoran cacao. The initiative successfully fostered connections that may lead to future exports of this prized product to Portugal, representing a promising step for Salvadoran cacao on the global stage.
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El Salvador Partners with UNODC for First-Ever Anti-Corruption Master’s Program.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Government of El Salvador has unveiled the Master’s Program in Anti-Corruption and Compliance, a first-of-its-kind higher education program globally. The launch, held on International Anti-Corruption Day, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the José Gustavo Guerrero Diplomatic Institute (IDG).
This innovative program solidifies El Salvador’s leadership in training public sector specialists to tackle corruption, aligning with President Nayib Bukele’s 2023 declaration of war against this pervasive issue.
“This specialized training serves as a reminder of the global commitment to combat corruption, which threatens development, justice, and institutional trust,” said Adriana Mira, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice President of IDG’s Academic Council.
The curriculum, designed with input from experts across 33 state institutions, has been developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Mira highlighted the program’s societal importance, emphasizing how corruption undermines democracy, human rights, and national security, fostering threats like terrorism and organized crime.
The master’s program aims to expand and modernize knowledge while strengthening state efforts in anti-corruption measures. Open to compliance officials and public servants involved in combating corruption, the first cohort’s enrollment is now underway.
The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including Berta Nayerlly Loya, UNODC representative in El Salvador; Christian Aparicio, National Director of Higher Education; and Luz Elena Núñez, Rector of IDG. Other attendees included Henry Mejía, President of the Supreme Court of Justice, members of the Legislative Assembly, and diplomats accredited in El Salvador.
This initiative underscores El Salvador’s dedication to global anti-corruption efforts and its commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in governance.
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El Salvador’s Journey Toward Sustainable Development Highlighted at OECD Forum.
The Vice President of El Salvador, Mr. Félix Ulloa Jr., delivered the keynote address at the 9th High-Level Meeting of the Governing Board of the OECD Development Centre, where the Latin American Economic Outlook (LEO) report was unveiled. The event, held in Paris, featured a distinguished panel including France’s OECD Ambassador, Ms. Amélie de Montchalin; the EU’s Sustainable Development Policy Director, Mr. Luc Bagur; Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. José Manuel Albares; Paraguay’s President, Mr. Santiago Peña Palacios; and Peru’s Prime Minister, Mr. Gustavo Adrianzén Olaya.
Vice President Ulloa highlighted El Salvador’s remarkable progress in public safety under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership and the Territorial Control Plan, which has drastically reduced crime rates. This achievement has positioned El Salvador as the safest nation in the Western Hemisphere, driving economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
Mr. Ulloa also emphasized the nation’s ongoing “economic miracle,” citing an economic upturn and a booming tourism sector that generated $3.8 billion in revenue. He further showcased El Salvador’s green transition, with 86% of its energy matrix now sourced from renewables, thanks to innovative energy policies.
A historic financial operation was another highlight of the address. El Salvador restructured $1.031 billion in debt, with savings earmarked for environmental conservation, water security, and ecosystem restoration in the Lempa River basin. JPMorgan served as the sole arranger, backed by $1 billion in political risk insurance from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and a $200 million standby letter of credit from AgendaCAF. “This landmark agreement secures the preservation of a critical ecosystem while strengthening the country’s financial position,” the Vice President stated.
During his visit, Mr. Ulloa met with key OECD officials, including Mr. Sebastián Nieto Parra and Ms. Olivia Cuq, who presented the Latin American Economic Outlook 2024: Financing Sustainable Development. He also discussed El Salvador’s next steps toward OECD membership with Mr. José Antonio Ardavín, head of the Latin America and Caribbean Division at the OECD. Talks included plans for a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration in areas such as investment, education, innovation, and competitiveness.
El Salvador’s active engagement at the OECD underscores its commitment to sustainable development and its aspirations for global economic integration.
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El Salvador Begins Trade Negotiations with Mercosur.
The Government of President Nayib Bukele has announced the start of trade negotiations with Mercosur, the Southern Common Market, as part of its efforts to boost economic growth and diversify trade relations.
Minister of Economy Maria Luisa Hayem, alongside Argentina’s Ambassador Sergio Luis Iaciuk, highlighted this milestone as the first time El Salvador independently engages with a regional bloc. “This demonstrates our commitment to expanding export opportunities and benefiting consumers,” Hayem stated.
The agreement seeks to strengthen El Salvador’s role as a commercial bridge between Central America and Mercosur, which represents the world’s fifth-largest economy. Already exporting products like coffee and pharmaceuticals to the bloc, the country aims to expand access by reducing trade barriers.
This initiative reflects President Bukele’s vision to enhance competitiveness, promote exports, and attract investment, reinforcing El Salvador’s position in global markets.
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Government Launches Free Roadside Assistance Program for the Festive Season.
The government of President Nayib Bukele is ramping up efforts to ensure road safety and provide roadside assistance during the Christmas and New Year holidays, aiming to support drivers and enhance mobility nationwide.
The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) unveiled the “MOP Te Asiste” program, offering free roadside assistance and towing services to drivers in need across the country. Minister of Public Works, Romeo Rodríguez, highlighted the ease of access to the service by calling 2510-0199.
“During this time of year, many tourists and Salvadorans return from abroad, increasing the number of vehicles on the roads and complicating traffic,” Rodríguez explained. To address these challenges, over 13,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure road safety.
The initiative includes:
• 1,850 vehicle checkpoints.
• 430 traffic flow management stations.
• 190 restricted zones for cargo transport.
• 75 inspection points for public transportation.
• Over 6,000 drug and alcohol tests.
The program runs until January 2, 2025, with personnel from the National Road Safety Council (Conasevi) and the Traffic Accident Victim Assistance Fund (FONATSV) supporting the efforts.
Deputy Minister of Transportation Nelson Reyes emphasized the importance of preventive measures, citing intensified vehicle inspections and increased enforcement of traffic laws. “We will conduct drug and alcohol tests, having already detained over 2,000 individuals for violations since January, surpassing last year’s figures,” Reyes stated.
Additionally, Alex Beltrán, director of FOVIALITO, confirmed ongoing road maintenance to improve connectivity and ensure safer driving conditions across the nation.
The Bukele administration remains committed to public safety by promoting road safety education and strict adherence to traffic laws throughout the holiday season.