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El Salvador Enhances Family-Friendly Spaces for Recreation and Community Bonding.
El Salvador continues its transformation with the modernization and enhancement of tourist, cultural, and entertainment areas, providing safe spaces for families to gather and enjoy. As part of this effort, hundreds of families visited the newly opened plaza on Monseñor Romero Boulevard this Sunday, engaging in wholesome activities in a secure and welcoming environment.
This new space, developed by the Ministry of Public Works is part of President Nayib Bukele’s government initiative to create special experiences for both Salvadorans and international visitors. The plaza offers a diverse agenda of activities organized by various government institutions.
Walter Menéndez, a recent visitor to the plaza, expressed his satisfaction: “I think it’s great because you can come with your family and children to enjoy and relax. It’s a beautiful place for recreation.”
Thanks to successful security strategies, Salvadorans now experience true freedom, allowing them to fully enjoy the country’s amenities. The new plaza features several attractions, including an outdoor cinema where visitors can watch popular films in a natural setting. Other activities include cycling, walking, artistic performances, and more, all designed for family enjoyment.
This new plaza joins a growing list of spaces that have been restored and modernized by President Bukele’s government, strengthening community bonds and contributing to the rebuilding of El Salvador’s social fabric.
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El Salvador Enhances Visitor Experience with New Online Visa Process.
The Government of El Salvador has introduced a new online Special Entry Permit system, revolutionizing the way foreign travelers apply for visas. This initiative, managed by the Immigration and Foreign Affairs departments, allows individuals whose nationalities require a visa to enter El Salvador to apply for their permits entirely online, without the need to visit a Salvadoran consulate.
The new system operates 24/7, providing a quick and user-friendly way to handle all immigration procedures. Travelers can now complete their visa applications from anywhere in the world, significantly simplifying the process.
This move comes as part of El Salvador’s ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience and address feedback regarding airport services, including immigration entry. With the online Special Entry Permit, travelers can avoid the need to visit consulates in person, making their journey to El Salvador smoother and more efficient.
For more information on immigration procedures and to access the new online services, visit @migracion_sv. The portal offers comprehensive details and facilitates all necessary payments and services online.
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Government Ensures Continued Access to Affordable Fresh Produce at Farmers’ Markets.
El Salvador’s Agromercados: A Fresh Approach to Affordable Food
In a bid to bolster the local economy and support Salvadoran families, the Government of El Salvador has introduced Agromercados—specialized markets designed to provide fresh, high-quality produce at significantly lower prices. This initiative is a cornerstone of the country’s Economic Plan, aimed at enhancing food security and alleviating financial strain on households.
Agromercados, now operational in 44 locations across El Salvador, offer a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and other essential food items. These markets are open from 6 AM to 1 PM, making them easily accessible for daily shopping needs. By bypassing conventional market markups, Agromercados enable Salvadorans to enjoy substantial savings on their grocery bills.
Recently, President Nayib Bukele took to his X account to update Salvadorans on the positive impact of this initiative. He announced that food prices in farmers’ markets continue to drop, reflecting the government’s commitment to making fresh produce even more affordable.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has emphasized that these markets serve all 14 departments of the country, ensuring widespread availability of affordable produce. This effort not only benefits consumers but also supports local farmers by providing them with a reliable outlet for their products.
Overall, Agromercados represent a significant step in strengthening El Salvador’s local economy, enhancing food security, and improving the quality of life for its residents.
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San Salvador Hosts 2024 Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion.
From September 2 to 5, the capital of El Salvador is hosting the 2024 Global Policy Forum (GPF), the most important event organized by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI). This prestigious forum will bring together over 86 institutions from 82 countries, according to a recent announcement by El Salvador’s Central Reserve Bank (BCR).
“The BCR is proud to co-host the 2024 AFI Global Policy Forum, demonstrating its commitment to advancing financial inclusion in El Salvador,” the state institution shared on its official X account.
Since joining the AFI in 2012, the BCR has been a strong advocate for financial inclusion through key initiatives. One of the featured speakers at this year’s forum will be Ariff Ali, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji and Chair of AFI’s Board of Directors.
The AFI is the world’s leading organization in financial inclusion regulation and policy, comprising over 120 policymakers and institutions dedicated to developing the potential of the world’s 2 billion unbanked people.
This week in San Salvador, the forum is addressing these economic philosophies, alongside challenges and solutions in financial inclusion, according to the BCR.
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Art and Culture Are Being Promoted Through Free Visits to the Renovated National Palace.
The government of President Nayib Bukele continues its efforts to develop El Salvador not only through security but also by embracing a comprehensive strategy that promotes culture and tourism. One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the renovation of the National Palace, which has become a key part of revitalizing the Historic Center of San Salvador.
On Sunday, September 1, the public was given the opportunity to visit this architectural gem for free. The National Palace, one of the most visited sites by both local and international tourists, stands as a symbol of El Salvador’s rich history and stunning infrastructure. Its restoration has been a priority for the government, aligning with its mission to boost cultural tourism.
“It’s amazing; there’s been a total transformation. Before, you couldn’t even enter, but now this is possible, and for me, it’s the best thing. This is the culture of El Salvador, a culture that no one knew,” said Jorge Salazar, a visitor to the National Palace.
The newly reopened palace offers a guided tour that lasts about 20 minutes, allowing visitors to delve into historical events and admire the majestic building. The two-level structure boasts 104 rooms, each with unique features, along with a new garden and reflecting pool.
The renovation, which was completed and opened to the public on August 3, includes access to the palace’s four main halls—Red, Blue, Pink, and Yellow—as well as 64 large rooms, 40 smaller ones, service areas, and two sizable basements on the east and west sides of the building.
Salvadorans and tourists alike have eagerly explored every detail of this historic site. The revitalization of the National Palace gives the people of El Salvador access to an important piece of their cultural and historical legacy, ensuring that this iconic building continues to play a role in the country’s ongoing story.
The government, under President Bukele’s leadership, remains committed to restoring the National Palace and other cultural landmarks, contributing to a new chapter in the nation’s history.
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San Salvador’s Historic Center Set for 8.5-Kilometer Cabling Overhaul.
Significant infrastructure upgrades have commenced in San Salvador’s Historic Center with the start of an ambitious underground cabling project. Announced today, the initiative will involve the installation of 8.5 kilometers of underground cabling, marking the largest such intervention in El Salvador’s history.
Minister of Public Works, Romeo Rodríguez, highlighted the scale of the project, emphasizing its unprecedented nature. «Today, we are initiating 8.5 kilometers of underground cabling in the Historic Center of San Salvador, making it the largest intervention of its kind ever undertaken in our country,» Rodríguez stated.
The project will commence with work on the streets surrounding the National Library of El Salvador (BINAES) and Plaza Gerardo Barrios. It will then extend to the area around El Calvario Church and the National Civil Police headquarters. Additional areas slated for improvement include Arce Street, Fourth Street West, various sectors of Avenida España, Second Avenue North, and Fourth Avenue North.
In addition to laying down the cables, the project will involve the construction of over 500 manholes for telephone and electrical wiring. Other aspects of the work include paving, laying cobblestones, and enhancing sidewalks. Rodríguez noted that the team will be digging trenches and placing pipes for both telephone and electrical services, with an anticipated completion time of under eight months.
This major initiative forms part of a broader renovation effort aimed at enhancing the Historic Center’s appeal, which is a significant area for tourism.
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El Salvador Inaugurates New CONAPINA Offices to Protect Migrant Children’s Rights.
The Government of El Salvador continues to take significant steps in ensuring the protection, care, and promotion of the rights of migrant children and adolescents, along with their families, in Mexico and the United States.
In a coordinated effort, the Vice Minister for the Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal, and the representative of the Executive Directorate of the National Council for Early Childhood, Children, and Adolescents (CONAPINA), Luis Ayala, simultaneously inaugurated five new offices at Salvadoran consulates.
“As part of the coordinated work led by President Nayib Bukele’s government, today we take a new step in addressing a priority sector: Salvadoran children and adolescents,” said Portal during the event.
The new offices, located in Salvadoran consulates in Los Angeles, California, and Houston, Texas, in the U.S., as well as in San Luis Potosí, Villahermosa, and Acayucan, Mexico, will provide specialized care for early childhood, children, and adolescents, particularly those involved in migratory flows.
“This initiative is being developed under the ‘Plan Brazos Abiertos’ (Open Arms Plan), which has adapted suitable spaces for the comprehensive care and protection of this population group. These services will now be available in 10 consular offices across northern Mexico and southern United States,” added the Vice Minister.
Portal also highlighted that during 2023, CONAPINA offices were opened in Salvadoran consulates in Tapachula, Monterrey, Ciudad Juárez, and Tijuana, Mexico, as well as McAllen, Texas.
“This year, in alignment with the guidelines of the First Lady, Gabriela de Bukele, we expanded our vision and mission regarding children’s rights and activated the second phase of implementing new CONAPINA offices,” she continued.
The newly established offices aim to cover key territories along the migratory route and areas with a significant Salvadoran diaspora. Services offered include specialized psychosocial care, psychological first aid, family reunification verification, shelter visits, support for voluntary return processes, legal advice, and assistance in cases of hospitalization due to health issues or accidents.
“With this approach, we have equipped the offices with specific resources for the trained CONAPINA staff, ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for addressing the needs of our fellow citizens,” Portal concluded.
The event also saw the participation of Alejandro José Letona, Consul General of El Salvador in Los Angeles, along with consulate officials and special guests.
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El Salvador Makes Significant Progress in Free Trade Agreement Talks with China.
In a notable advancement, El Salvador has completed the first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the People’s Republic of China, as reported by the Ministry of Economy (Minec). The talks, concluded in the last week of August, addressed several critical areas aimed at enhancing economic relations between the two nations.
According to Ministry of Economy, the negotiations covered essential topics including the protection of intellectual property, facilitation of trade, and the promotion of Salvadoran products within the Chinese market. Key areas of discussion also included customs legislation, trade facilitation, sanitary measures, and technical regulations. The agreement is expected to support e-commerce growth, recognize and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and foster cooperation to boost economic capacities.
The negotiations began earlier this year, following an announcement in April by El Salvador’s Minister of Economy, María Luis Hayem, and China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Wang Shouwen. This diplomatic effort underscores the strengthening ties and cooperative spirit between El Salvador and China.
The successful completion of this initial negotiation round marks a promising step forward in the trade relations between the two countries, reflecting their commitment to mutual economic development and partnership.
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New Phase of “Mission Ocean” Launched to Protect El Salvador’s Coastline.
Today marks the beginning of a new phase in Misión Océano, a national initiative aimed at conserving El Salvador’s marine ecosystems. Fernando López, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, announced that this phase will extend conservation efforts beyond Protected Natural Areas and water bodies to encompass the country’s entire 321 km coastline.
“Misión Océano remains committed to the conservation and restoration of our marine ecosystems, from the mountains to the coast,” said López. He emphasized that the initiative involves multiple sectors of society working together to preserve marine biodiversity and secure a sustainable future for El Salvador.
During today’s event, the program demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection through a beach cleanup and the release of sea turtles. These activities highlight Misión Océano’s holistic approach to conservation.
In addition to hands-on environmental efforts, the program launched new educational resources through its Virtual Environmental School. The latest module, “Sustainable Businesses”, promotes eco-friendly practices and efficient waste management strategies. Another new module, “Marine Waste”, provides crucial information on the impact of marine debris on ecosystems.
El Salvador is on the path of change. This effort is just the beginning of ensuring that today’s actions will yield positive results for future generations.
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El Salvador Presents Business Opportunities in the Aeronautical Sector in Querétaro, Mexico.
El Salvador recently held an economic promotion event in Querétaro, Mexico, where it showcased its business potential to local entrepreneurs, focusing on high-growth sectors such as aeronautics and aerospace. The event highlighted the international interest in El Salvador as a strategic business and investment hub.
Querétaro, known for its significant development in the aeronautical and aerospace industries, was an ideal location for this event. El Salvador’s advancements in these sectors have positioned the country as a competitive player in the region, offering attractive opportunities for collaboration and investment.
In addition to the aeronautical sector, El Salvador also promoted opportunities in auto parts, various manufacturing sectors, plastics, and logistics services. The country emphasized its strategic advantages, including strong infrastructure, a privileged location connecting multiple markets, and favorable security conditions for business ventures.
“Our country has the necessary infrastructure and capabilities, along with a strategic location that connects us to various markets. Additionally, we offer the security and conditions needed to launch successful projects and establish business connections,” said Delmy Cañas, El Salvador’s ambassador to Mexico.
During her visit, Ambassador Cañas also met with representatives from Querétaro’s Ministry of Sustainable Development (SEDESU), the Querétaro Aerospace Cluster, and the Aeronautical University of Querétaro. Discussions focused on exploring cooperation opportunities and joint projects that could benefit both regions and strengthen economic ties.
As a result of these engagements, a business delegation is scheduled to visit El Salvador to witness firsthand the country’s potential in these high-growth sectors.
The event was supported by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE), the Board of Directors of the Mexico-United States Chamber of Commerce, Querétaro Chapter, and the International Relations Coordination of Querétaro.