Salvadoran authorities present mega-infrastructure and tourism projects to Spanish business leaders as part of the "New El Salvador" Plan.

 

A significant number of Spanish businessmen gathered to learn firsthand about the big change that El Salvador is experiencing and the concrete opportunities that exist for companies with interests in this Central American market. The event was opened by key figures from the business and institutional spheres such as Miguel Garrido, first vice president of CEOE; Jaime Montalvo, International Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce; and Isabel Rat, Deputy Director General for the Americas at the State Department of Trade.

 

From a business perspective, Miguel Garrido, from CEOE and CEIM, highlighted the close collaboration between his organization and the National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP) of El Salvador. Garrido emphasized the country's efforts to facilitate business activity. "The close collaboration we maintain with El Salvador is reflected in the business world... It is very encouraging to see the steps the country is taking to facilitate business activity and attract investment., with measures such as the Multiannual Trade Facilitation Plan, which has already reduced processing times by 60% and digitized more than 300 processes," he said. These advances, added to the improvements in infrastructure and legal security, position El Salvador as a highly desirable destination attractive for Spanish companies. In addition, he highlighted the country's role as a regional engine by hosting the headquarters of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and promoting the Customs union and the phenomenon of nearshoring.

 

For its part, Isabel Rat of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business of Spain, highlighted the common vision of the future shared by both nations, based on cooperation, investment, and sustainability. "Spanish companies are strategic allies of Salvadoran development: With an investment of 352 million euros in 2025, they generate employment, boost key sectors and strengthen the ties that unite our societies.", he reported. He also mentioned the Spanish participation in high-profile projects such as the Pacific International Airport, through financing instruments such as the Fund for the Internationalization of Business (FIEM).

 

Jaime Montalvo, of the Chamber of Spain, recognized the presence of Spanish capital in the Salvadoran market, both in the exporting and the permanent establishment, although he maintained that "there is still a long way to go." He considered that these meetings are "an ideal opportunity to strengthen these trade and investment relations based on cooperation between companies and public-private collaboration.”

 

Focus on Key Opportunities

 

The Salvadoran authorities, with the Minister of Economy, María Luisa Hayem, at the head, focused on the investment opportunities en infrastructure y Hayem highlighted the change in security and economic development, indicating that the country has maintained sustained growth close to 3% per year in the last five years. "In 2024, 14 of 19 sectors grew, and foreign direct investment (FDI) has reached 118% in the first half of 2025," he said, confirming a favorable business environment.

 

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adriana Mira, emphasized that the bilateral relationship with Spain is at its best. "El Salvador is more open than ever to foreign investment, and cooperation with Spain is key to accelerating our transformation," said Mira, referring to the modernization of ports and the development of megaprojects like the airport or the Pacific Train.

 

In the tourism sector, growth has been notable. Immaculate Conception of Benedict, Director of Tourism at CEOE, highlighted the great potential of the sector, driven by initiatives such as Surf CityHe stressed that attracting a record number of visitors opens up important opportunities for Spanish businesses in areas such as tourism management, infrastructure y digitalization. For her part, the Minister of Tourism, Morena Ileana Valdez, revealed that El Salvador has been recognized as one of the countries with the greatest tourism growth in Latin America, with an increase of 81% in the last five years or with a 30% more Spanish tourists in 2024. "El Salvador is leaving behind its difficult history and It is consolidating itself as a tourist destination par excellence in the region," concluded Valdez, highlighting that Spanish collaboration is crucial to positioning the country as a benchmark for sustainability, accessibility, and quality.