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Bus Stops in San Salvador to Receive Real-Time Information Displays with South Korean Support.
In a bid to improve public transportation and road mobility, the Ministry of Public Works in El Salvador is redesigning bus stops throughout the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS). The initiative aims to enhance the user experience by providing real-time transportation updates directly at bus stops.
Minister Romeo Herrera announced that the redesign of the bus stops will include the installation of screens displaying real-time information about public transport arrivals. «The idea is for passengers to be able to see the information directly on screens at the bus stops, which will improve service and convenience,» Herrera said.
The project is part of the broader Transportation and Emergency Monitoring Center, which is being developed with the support of the South Korean government. South Korea has granted $6 million in non-reimbursable funds to help finance the initiative. According to Herrera, the funds will be used to upgrade approximately 30% of the bus stops in the AMSS, with additional upgrades to be funded locally.
The Transportation and Emergency Monitoring Center will also include facilities to operate smart traffic lights, a photo-ticketing system, and the monitoring of public transportation and road emergencies. This system aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance safety across the region.
This project is a key step toward modernizing El Salvador’s public transport infrastructure and improving daily commuting for residents in the Metropolitan Area.
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Global Celebrations Highlight Salvadoran Contributions and Heritage.
In November, Salvadoran diplomatic and consular missions worldwide are hosting a variety of cultural, artistic, and gastronomic events to celebrate the National Day of Salvadorans Abroad. These activities aim to promote Salvadoran identity and strengthen ties with the diaspora.
In Los Angeles, the Consulate General of El Salvador inaugurated the art exhibition “Memorias” by Salvadoran artist Tere Schwartzbart. Featuring 20 paintings of typical Salvadoran fruits, the exhibition has traveled to cities such as Jerusalem, Tokyo, and now Los Angeles. The collection evokes nostalgia and cultural connection for Salvadorans worldwide. The exhibition is open to the public at the Instituto Cervantes from November 14 to December 10, 2024.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the Clark County government issued a proclamation honoring the contributions of the Salvadoran community. The iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign was illuminated in blue and white to celebrate the occasion, reflecting the presence of over 70,000 Salvadorans in Nevada. Consul General Silvia Martínez remarked, “We are proud that Clark County recognizes the cultural, economic, and social contributions of our diaspora to this community.”
In Norway, the Embassy of El Salvador collaborated with Oslo’s Cultural House to host an event featuring traditional Salvadoran dishes, specialty coffee, and a screening of the miniseries “Las Pupusas.” The celebration also included a symbolic moment where a senior citizen received her first passport in 40 years, showcasing the embassy’s dedication to community support and connection.
In Belgium, the iconic Manneken Pis statue in Brussels was dressed in a Salvadoran-inspired traditional outfit, symbolizing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The gesture highlighted the strong ties between El Salvador and Belgium, as well as the significant contributions of Salvadorans to their host communities.
These global celebrations showcase the vibrant culture, deep heritage, and enduring unity of Salvadorans abroad, emphasizing their vital role in fostering international bonds.
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Opamss Increases Investment in San Salvador Metropolitan Area to $1.55 Billion, with Projections for $7.8 Billion by 2029.
The Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS) is set to see significant growth in private investment, with the Executive Director of the Office of the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (Opamss), Luis Rodríguez, announcing that $1.55 billion in private investment projects have already been released for execution. This marks a steady increase in the region’s investment activity, with Rodríguez projecting a total of $7.8 billion in private investments over the next five years (2024-2029).
«We have already exceeded $1.55 billion in released projects, and this signals a progressive trend in the growth of private investment in the region,» Rodríguez said during a recent statement. He emphasized that the Opamss has worked closely with the private sector to accelerate the development of projects, addressing both new initiatives and previously delayed ones.
As of mid-November, the amount of released private investment was recorded at $1.4 billion. However, Rodríguez confirmed that an additional $150 million in projects have since been added, bringing the total to $1.55 billion. The executive also highlighted the positive impact of the recent annexation of La Libertad Este and La Libertad Costa municipalities, which has expanded Opamss’s portfolio of investment opportunities that will begin to be rolled out in the coming year.
Rodríguez further revealed that 50% of the private investment projects currently under development in the AMSS are focused on residential construction, reflecting the high demand for housing in the region. The remaining 50% of projects are distributed across services, industry, logistics, commerce, and mixed-use developments.
Looking ahead, Opamss is also working on a series of institutional investments to enhance its operational capabilities. Rodríguez outlined plans for the development of a «georeferenced cartodata system,» which will provide a comprehensive tool to track and manage ongoing projects, assets, and future developments across both public and private sectors. This system, he explained, will enable faster planning and provide investors with detailed insights into their surrounding investment environment.
Additionally, Opamss is preparing to launch the Metropolitan School on a national scale in 2025, with the support of universities throughout the country, further contributing to the region’s educational and infrastructural growth.
With these initiatives, Opamss aims to continue driving economic growth and investment in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador, positioning the region as an attractive hub for both local and international businesses.
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Peru and El Salvador Explore Opportunities for Expanding Trade and Business Ties.
El Salvador and Peru are taking steps to strengthen their economic relationship, with an emphasis on expanding trade, investments, and collaborative projects. Business leaders and trade unionists from both countries recently gathered at a business forum organized by the Embassy of Peru in El Salvador, with support from El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, and the Agency for Investments and Exports (Invest).
The forum served as a platform to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation, highlighting the strengths and potential of each country. Both sides discussed how trade agreements and treaties could be leveraged to boost bilateral relations.
Adriana Mira, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for El Salvador, emphasized the importance of these forums in building stronger strategic alliances. «We are excited by the possibilities we are creating together, and we trust that this seminar will allow us to continue building a prosperous future of shared growth,» she said.
Salvadoran officials also highlighted the country’s favorable business environment, citing factors such as security, stability, and a strategic location as key advantages for investors. They also pointed to El Salvador’s human capital and international positioning as strengths that make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to connect with regional and global markets.
Among the investment areas of interest to Peruvian entrepreneurs are light manufacturing, software and technological services, real estate, infrastructure projects, and tourism. There is also strong interest in establishing operational and distribution centers in El Salvador, given its geographic advantages.
In terms of exports, the Association of Exporters of Peru (ADEX) noted significant opportunities for Salvadoran products to enter the Peruvian market. Key areas identified include medicines, footwear, paper, boxes, cardboard, and snacks. For Salvadoran companies already present in Peru, there are opportunities to expand their presence, particularly in sectors like electrical machinery, coffee, tropical fruits, sugar, cereals, and textiles.
Jorge Rosado, the diplomatic representative of Peru in El Salvador, emphasized the positive momentum in bilateral relations. «This type of activity reflects the good moment that Peru and El Salvador are experiencing, the coincidences in trade and investment policy, and our mutual interest in strengthening our bilateral relations,» he said.
The event underscores the growing economic partnership between the two countries and their shared vision for fostering a future of increased trade and investment.
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Cost of Basic Food Basket Decreases in October, Offering Relief to Salvadoran Families.
The cost of the basic food basket (CBA) in El Salvador decreased significantly in October, providing much-needed relief to households, according to recent data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). This marks the largest drop in over three years in urban areas, with similar reductions also observed in rural areas.
The BCR highlighted that the decline in the cost of the basic food basket is the result of measures taken by President Nayib Bukele’s administration to address inflation. These policies have contributed to a reduction in both urban and rural food prices, which has positively impacted family budgets across the country.
In urban areas, the cost of the basic food basket dropped by 4.7% compared to October of last year, with the monthly expense per family now totaling $245.74, down from $249.25 in September. This translates to a savings of approximately $3.51 per family each month. The daily cost per family in urban areas now stands at $8.19.
In rural areas, the basic food basket saw an even steeper annual decrease of 9.4%, with the average monthly cost per family falling to $175.33, down by $0.87 from the previous month.
The BCR also reported that El Salvador’s inflation rate in October was 0.07%, the lowest in over three and a half years, positioning the country as one of the least affected by inflation in the region.
Ricardo Salazar, the president of the Consumer Ombudsman’s Office (DC), also pointed to the stability in the markets, noting that despite recent heavy rains, the availability of food products has remained stable without any significant price hikes. On the contrary, some essential items, such as cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, saw price reductions of 8% to 20%, further easing the financial pressure on families.
Salazar emphasized the importance of initiatives like agricultural markets and the central supply system, which have improved the efficiency of product distribution and helped maintain stable prices.
These positive trends in food prices come as a result of both government policies and the country’s growing focus on agricultural and supply chain improvements, offering Salvadoran families greater financial stability and relief.
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El Salvador Tops the Western Hemisphere in Safety: Bukele’s Legacy.
President Nayib Bukele recently showcased El Salvador’s remarkable improvement in security, citing the latest World Statistics data on homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Since taking office, the country has seen a dramatic decline in violent crime, with the homicide rate dropping from over 106 in 2015 to a historic low of 1.9 in 2024.
President Bukele Highlights El Salvador’s Dramatic Drop in Homicide Rate, Achieving Record Low in 2024. According to the figures shared by the president, El Salvador’s homicide rate has steadily decreased over the past decade:
- 2015: 106.3
- 2016: 84.1
- 2017: 83.0
- 2018: 53.1
- 2019: 38.0
- 2020: 21.2
- 2021: 18.1
- 2022: 7.8
- 2023: 2.4
- 2024: 1.9
This significant reduction highlights the success of President Bukele’s security policies, which have focused on dismantling criminal gangs and strengthening law enforcement. El Salvador, once known for its high levels of violence, is now recognized as one of the safest countries in the region.
Bukele’s government continues to focus on maintaining security while ensuring that the country’s law enforcement is adequately equipped to fight crime. The president’s leadership in transforming El Salvador’s safety has earned both praise and controversy, but the statistics are undeniable: the country is now a model of security in Latin America.
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Senator Mike Lee Praises President Bukele’s Leadership in Prioritizing Life, Liberty, and Property.
Utah Senator @BasedMikeLee recently praised the leadership of President @nayibbukele of El Salvador for his transformative approach to governance. In a public statement, Senator Lee highlighted how President Bukele has demonstrated that when governments prioritize the protection of life, liberty, and property, significant progress can be made, leaving behind outdated socialist policies.
Senator Lee emphasized that El Salvador’s success serves as a powerful example of what can happen when governments remember their primary role: to safeguard the fundamental rights of their citizens, rather than advancing socialist agendas. In expressing his gratitude, Senator Lee thanked President Bukele for showing the world a new path forward, where the focus is on individual freedom and prosperity.
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El Salvador’s Security Forces Make Significant Strides in Combatting Drug Trafficking, Praised by Ambassador Duncan.
U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, William Duncan, has highlighted the significant role of the Salvadoran security forces in combating drug trafficking, commending their effectiveness in tackling criminal organizations. Ambassador Duncan referred specifically to two recent successful operations that have disrupted drug trade activities and contributed to the safety and stability of the entire region.
“These operations are a testament to the professionalism and commitment of El Salvador’s security forces. It is essential to recognize their impact on criminal organizations, which in turn helps protect the entire hemisphere,” Ambassador Duncan said.
President Nayib Bukele expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s comments and proudly shared the news of a recent drug seizure, which he announced on social media. Just hours after intercepting a boat carrying 762 kilos of cocaine, the National Navy of El Salvador made another major drug bust. The operation, conducted 406 nautical miles southwest of Bocana El Cordoncillo, Estero de Jaltepeque, led to the seizure of 2 tons of cocaine, valued at approximately $50 million. Three Colombian crew members were arrested.
President Bukele emphasized the scale of El Salvador’s success, noting that in the past eight months alone, more than 15 tons of cocaine had been seized in international waters, with an estimated value of $380 million.
In a second operation, also in the same region, the Navy intercepted a boat 770 nautical miles southwest of Bocana El Cordoncillo, carrying 762 kilos of cocaine, valued at $19 million. The crew consisted of one Ecuadorian and two Colombians. With this latest operation, El Salvador’s authorities have now seized over 13 tons of cocaine worth an estimated $330 million in just eight months.
These latest successes demonstrate the growing effectiveness of El Salvador’s security apparatus in countering the global drug trade. President Bukele’s proactive stance and the coordination between Salvadoran law enforcement and international partners have proven essential in addressing this pressing issue.
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El Salvador Showcases Specialty Coffee in Vietnam.
In an effort to open new doors for the promotion and commercialization of Salvadoran coffee in Vietnam, the Embassy of El Salvador recently hosted an event titled “El Salvador in a Cup: Specialty Coffee Tasting.”
The rich aroma and distinctive flavor of Salvadoran coffee took center stage at the event, which brought together over 40 experts from the coffee industry. Attendees included representatives from the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association, the prestigious D’Codes Coffee Institute, as well as café owners, specialty roasters, and key figures in the gourmet market.
Renowned Salvadoran barista Miguel Candel led the tasting session, offering participants an in-depth experience of the exceptional quality and unique characteristics of Salvadoran coffee varieties.
Adding to the occasion, the President of the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC) and other Salvadoran experts joined online, further strengthening the connection between the two countries.
This initiative not only highlighted the singular qualities of Salvadoran coffee but also served as a bridge to foster deeper ties and promote this exquisite product in Vietnam’s growing specialty coffee market.
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The Aroma of Art: El Salvador Showcases Coffee and Creativity.
The Salvadoran government continues to elevate the country’s global image by showcasing its unique blend of art, music, and coffee. The recent “Night of Art and Coffee” event highlighted the rich aroma and flavor of Café de El Salvador while celebrating the talents of Salvadoran artists and artisans.
Presided over by Deputy Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal and ISC President Mauricio Sansivirini, the event emphasized the cultural significance of coffee as a symbol of national pride and a key component of the country’s public diplomacy efforts.
“Our coffee allows us to promote a positive image of El Salvador and its cultural identity on a diplomatic level,” said Deputy Minister Portal. “The government of President Nayib Bukele believes in the transformative power of the coffee sector, which is why Café de El Salvador has become a source of pride for our diaspora and a point of interest for international buyers.”
The event also featured an art exhibition supported by Premium Art Gallery, where artists showcased works inspired by coffee, celebrating its dual role as both an agricultural product and a muse for artistic expression.
This initiative is part of the “El Salvador Renace” program, a public diplomacy strategy that has facilitated coffee tastings in various countries, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others. “Our diplomatic and consular missions are increasingly requested to host events promoting Café de El Salvador, and we are committed to continuing this collaboration,” Portal added.
The evening included a performance by the lyrical trio Opus 503, fresh from their “Corazón de Añil” 2024 tour in the United States, Italy, and Austria.
Organized by the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this cultural event underscored the synergy between coffee and art, reaffirming their shared role in promoting El Salvador’s heritage on the global stage.