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El Salvador Strengthens Fiscal Discipline as Public Debt Payments Remain on Track.
El Salvador’s government paid $1.3077 billion in public debt interest between January and September 2025, according to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). The figure reflects a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating the government’s continued commitment to meeting its financial obligations on time.
Like any borrower, the Salvadoran government covers both interest and principal payments as part of its fiscal responsibilities. These payments, which slightly exceeded public investment spending of $1.18 billion in the same period, highlight the administration’s focus on maintaining trust with creditors while advancing national development projects.
According to the BCR, debt interest represented 17.9% of total government revenues and donations—over $7.19 billion—between January and September 2025. This accounts for 3.5% of El Salvador’s gross domestic product (GDP), estimated at $36.6 billion.
The draft of the 2026 General Budget anticipates $2.43 billion allocated for debt service next year, with $926.1 million in domestic obligations and $1.5074 billion in external ones.
A local economist commented, “El Salvador’s consistent debt payments reflect stronger fiscal management and a growing reputation for responsibility in international markets.”
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El Salvador Targets 80% Local Supply in Agromarkets by 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of El Salvador projects that by 2026, 80 percent of the products sold in the country’s agromarkets will come from national production.
The government expanded the agromarket program in response to rising basic food prices in July 2024. There are now 61 agromarkets operating nationwide, along with two major distribution centers located in Soyapango and Usulután.
“More than 70 percent of the products sold come from Salvadoran hands. Sometimes we reach 75 or even 78 percent, depending on the season,” said Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Óscar Domínguez during a presentation to the Legislative Assembly’s Finance and Budget Committee on October 31.
Domínguez explained that nearly 800 local producers supply the agromarkets, with around 340 participating per season. “We are projecting to reach 80 percent national supply by 2026,” he stated, attributing the growth to over 2,400 manzanas of vegetable crops currently supported by the MAG.
According to the Vice Minister, agromarkets serve as a “window for farmers to sell their products, benefiting both producers and the Salvadoran population.” He added that while imported goods—such as meat from Paraguay and Argentina—are still part of the offer, “Salvadorans can have a basic food basket for less than $40 per week.”
The MAG reported that by the end of 2024, 7.3 million visitors had been served through the agromarkets, and the number rose to 19.5 million purchases in 2025. The initiative has generated around 3,600 direct jobs and nearly 4,000 indirect ones.
Originally launched in 2004, the agromarket program expanded in 2023 to include weekend events across different regions. In 2024, it evolved into a national initiative to strengthen food supply chains and reduce dependency on imports—especially fruits and vegetables from Guatemala, which previously caused disruptions whenever roadblocks occurred.
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El Salvador Grows 5.5% in August, Driven by Construction Sector Expansion
International media outlets, including Europa Press, have highlighted El Salvador’s strong economic performance, reporting a 5.5% increase in national economic activity last August, largely driven by the construction sector boom.
According to data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), construction activity in El Salvador surged by 29.8%, making it the fastest-growing sector of the economy. This significant expansion reflects the momentum generated by public and private investment projects, which continue to boost demand for construction materials, heavy machinery, and financial services.
The Economic Activity Volume Index (IVAE), cited by Europa Press, also showed positive trends in other key sectors. The mining and quarrying sector grew by 5%, while electricity and water services increased by 2.8% and 1.2%, respectively.
Europa Press further noted that professional, technical, and personal services recorded a 10.2% increase, fueled by higher demand for legal, accounting, and call center services. Meanwhile, urban development in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area (AMSS) spurred real estate growth of 5.8%.
El Salvador’s ongoing tourism boom also continues to stimulate economic expansion in transportation, commerce, hotels, and restaurants, which collectively rose by 4.9%. Additionally, financial activities saw a 3.8% increase, while manufacturing grew by 3.2%, reflecting a steady and diversified recovery across multiple industries.
With construction leading this upward trend, El Salvador’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and investor confidence, positioning the country as one of the most dynamic markets in the region.
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Jamaica Thanks President Bukele for Humanitarian Aid Following Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith, expressed deep gratitude to President Nayib Bukele and the Government of El Salvador for their swift humanitarian response to assist communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
During an official event, Minister Johnson Smith thanked El Salvador for sending 50 tons of humanitarian aid, which included generators, medicine, food, and water, as well as the deployment of firefighters, medical personnel, and civil protection teams.
“On behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, I express our gratitude to His Excellency Nayib Bukele, who, from the bottom of his heart and with God’s grace, has sent this outstanding delegation,” said the Jamaican Foreign Minister.
She emphasized the professionalism and preparedness of the Salvadoran team, composed of over 300 specialists in search and rescue, logistics, and medical care. “They have arrived with the best of intentions, their technical expertise, and their own equipment. They are not only prepared to sustain themselves but also to help those most in need in 13 communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa,” she added.
This humanitarian mission reflects El Salvador’s growing leadership in regional solidarity and its commitment to international cooperation. The aid effort forms part of President Bukele’s foreign policy, which aims to strengthen ties of friendship and mutual support among Caribbean and Central American nations.
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Under President Bukele, Housing and Security Drive El Salvador’s Social Transformation.
The Minister of Housing announced that the Social Fund for Housing (FSV) continues to deliver historic results under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, improving access to quality housing for thousands of Salvadoran families.
According to official data, 45,023 homes have been registered nationwide, representing a total investment of $1,029.58 million and directly benefiting 185,000 Salvadorans. These achievements reflect the government’s commitment to expanding affordable housing and ensuring better living conditions for citizens.
The accumulated results by credit line are as follows:
New housing: 11,898 loans, totaling $435.20 million. Used housing and other lines: 23,617 loans, totaling $467.59 million. Extraordinary assets: 9,508 homes, totaling $126.79 million.
The minister highlighted that the success of the extraordinary assets program has been possible thanks to enhanced security measures, including the Territorial Control Plan and the State of Emergency, which have enabled the recovery and reconstruction of properties located in former high-risk areas.
“Many of these homes were found in communities previously dominated by criminal structures. Their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the housing system show that we are rebuilding lives and strengthening communities,” the minister emphasized.
These achievements reaffirm the government’s holistic vision, combining security, housing development, and social well-being to ensure sustainable progress for El Salvador.
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El Salvador Registers Official Documents on the Bitcoin Blockchain
El Salvador has taken another historic step in technological innovation by beginning to protect official documents using Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain technology, marking a global precedent in digital transparency and record security.
The first documents registered on the Bitcoin network were the academic certificates of graduates from the CUBO+ program, an initiative promoted by the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC). This pioneering project was developed in collaboration with Simple Proof, a U.S.-based company that uses the OpenTimestamps protocol to create immutable, verifiable digital records on the blockchain.
“Bitcoin is not only the money that no one controls; it is also the only clock that no one can manipulate,” said Carlos Toriello, CEO of Simple Proof, in an interview with Diario El Salvador.
The process leverages Bitcoin’s decentralized nature: each block generated approximately every ten minutes acts as a universal timestamp. When a document is linked to a block number, it becomes verifiable proof of its existence at a precise moment in time.
Unlike other systems, Simple Proof does not upload files or personal information to the blockchain. Instead, it creates a cryptographic hash, a digital fingerprint representing the document. This hash, occupying just 32 bytes of block space, ensures scalability and sustainability — allowing millions of documents to be protected without burdening the Bitcoin network.
The OpenTimestamps protocol, created by Bitcoin developer Peter Todd, uses the blockchain as a global notary, confirming the existence of a document at a specific time without revealing its contents.
Each CUBO+ graduate can now verify the authenticity of their certificate through the official platform bitcoin.gob.sv, ensuring transparent validation without intermediaries. “Some students have chosen to publish their names alongside their proof, while others remain anonymous. The key point is that everyone can prove their diploma’s authenticity on the blockchain,” Toriello noted.
Building on this first success, Simple Proof and the National Bitcoin Office are already working with other government ministries to extend the system to administrative and legal documents. The goal is to create a tamper-proof public record system, strengthening transparency, security, and trust in state institutions.
With this initiative, El Salvador reaffirms its global leadership in blockchain adoption, extending Bitcoin’s utility beyond finance to the protection of public information and digital sovereignty.
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El Salvador Invites You to Say “¡Qué Chivo Aquí!” and Enjoy the Country Safely and Responsibly
El Salvador continues to promote responsible tourism and cultural experiences through its national platform ¡Qué Chivo Aquí!, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore the country safely while discovering its vibrant attractions.
Under the slogan “Enjoy El Salvador responsibly,” the initiative encourages travelers to follow official safety recommendations and enjoy their journeys with peace of mind. Authorities are actively conducting operations across the country to ensure protection and security at key tourist points.
The platform showcases a wide variety of activities for all ages — from family-friendly workshops, games, and storytelling sessions for children, to cultural and historical experiences in the renewed Historic Center of San Salvador, featuring landmarks such as BINAES, the National Theater, and the National Palace.
Visitors can also venture from the sea to the mountains, exploring natural parks, public tourist destinations, and the colorful Bus Alegre (Happy Bus) routes that highlight local traditions and communities.
The campaign emphasizes El Salvador’s growing cultural agenda, bringing together art, history, robotics, video games, and traditional festivals in one dynamic national experience. At BINAES, families can discover the “seven levels of fun”, where every generation finds a space to learn, play, and connect.
Through ¡Qué Chivo Aquí!, El Salvador reaffirms its commitment to safe, inclusive, and enjoyable tourism, celebrating the beauty and diversity that make visitors proudly say — “¡Qué chivo estar aquí!”
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El Salvador Strengthens Food Security with Historic 2026 Agriculture Budget Increase
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) will focus its 2026 budget on strengthening food security and supporting local farmers, in line with President Nayib Bukele’s national strategy to ensure stable food prices and sustainable production.
The MAG has been allocated $165 million for 2026, representing an increase of $72.8 million compared to the previous year. The additional funds will be used to execute projects that maintain agricultural market logistics, expand production programs, and promote climate resilience in farming communities.
Minister of Agriculture Óscar Domínguez presented these priorities before the Finance Committee of the Legislative Assembly, emphasizing that the country has achieved 11 consecutive months of declines in the basic food basket. “Prices have remained stable, and we’ve even seen deflation in some food items,” he noted.
According to Domínguez, the success stems from a comprehensive program launched in 2023 to boost food production. The initiative included identifying productive zones, strengthening the agricultural workforce, and providing technical assistance in seed genetics and hybrid crop development. These measures have led to 2,400 manzanas (approximately 1,500 acres) of vegetable production for domestic consumption.
To facilitate distribution, the MAG has promoted wholesale and farmers’ markets, where producers sell directly to consumers. “In the 61 farmers’ markets nationwide, more than 3,600 direct and indirect jobs have been created, and we project reaching 80% domestic supply,” the minister stated.
The 2026 budget will also fund the agricultural subsidy program, benefiting over 500,000 families, while expanding women’s participation in agricultural work and advancing climate adaptation initiatives. Other efforts include the conservation of native species, river repopulation, and the continuation of the satellite monitoring center, developed with Google’s support, to identify pests and gather real-time agricultural data.
With this increased investment, El Salvador continues to consolidate its position as a regional example of sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
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El Salvador Welcomes the World’s Best Longboarders for Surf City Championships 2025.
El Salvador is once again at the center of the international surfing scene as the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships take place from November 5 to 9 at El Sunzal beach, La Libertad. The event, organized by the World Surf League (WSL) with strong support from President Nayib Bukele’s government, gathers the world’s best longboard athletes to compete for the 2025 world title.
The quality of El Sunzal’s long, consistent right-hand waves and the country’s proven capacity for organizing world-class events have made El Salvador a preferred destination for international competitions. “I’ve seen how much surfers have enjoyed this swell and how El Salvador has become the epicenter of surfing,” said Morena Valdez, Minister of Tourism.
Among the standout competitors are three-time world champion Taylor Jensen and two-time winner Rachaell Tilly, who will face strong contenders such as Tully White and Kelis Kaleopaa in the women’s draw. “El Salvador is one of the most incredible places in the world; the wave at El Sunzal is one of the best I’ve ever surfed,” said Brazilian finalist Chloe Calmon.
The government emphasizes that international sporting events like this one boost tourism and local economies. “In 2025, we expect 4.5 million visitors generating around $3.5 billion in revenue and creating thousands of jobs,” noted Minister Valdez.
With world-class waves, safety, and organization, El Salvador continues to establish itself as a global hub for surf tourism and international sports events.
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El Salvador Boosts Tourism Investment with Launch of Gracia Restaurant in San Salvador.
El Salvador continues to foster an environment that encourages new investments and economic growth. As part of this effort, the Ministry of Tourism participated in the inauguration of Gracia, a new gastronomic concept that pays tribute to life, gratitude, and the feminine strength of the jaguar.
Located in the San Benito neighborhood of San Salvador, Gracia joins El Xolo as part of a pair of restaurants promoting ancestral culinary fusion. Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez highlighted the project as a reflection of the country’s transformation and entrepreneurial spirit. “Gracia is an example of a woman leading in the tourism and gastronomic industries. Its owners represent perseverance and resilience in bringing their vision to life,” Valdez stated.
The minister emphasized that Salvadoran gastronomy is evolving along with the nation’s tourism landscape. “The fact that we now have restaurants like this shows how the country is transforming and how visitors are choosing El Salvador for emerging tourism experiences,” she added.
Valdez also noted that gastronomy is a driving factor in global travel trends. “Eighty percent of travelers worldwide ask first about a country’s food and traditional dishes; this adds great value to El Salvador’s growing culinary offerings,” she explained.
Through initiatives like Gracia, the government of President Nayib Bukele continues to support trade facilitation, investment, and tourism development, positioning El Salvador as an emerging destination for food tourism with diverse and high-quality options.