San Salvador Times

Digital Asset Remittances Gain Popularity Among Salvadorans Abroad

Independent financial analysts report growing use of digital wallets and cryptocurrency networks by Salvadorans overseas, with lower transaction costs and improved cross-border payment services helping capture a larger share of the count...

Pan American Health Organization Expands Disease Prevention Support in El Salvador

El Salvador, Colombia and Guatemala will receive funding through a $25 million regional program led by the Pan American Health Organization to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare services targeting climate-related vector-borne...

Historic Center Redevelopment in San Salvador Attracts $20 Million in New Investment

Authorities overseeing the restoration of San Salvador's historic center say private businesses have registered $20 million in new commercial investments scheduled to begin operating by August, supporting the city's broader urban renewal...

Coastal Real Estate Investment Accelerates Around El Salvador's Surf City Projects

International developers have launched new hospitality and residential projects along El Salvador's Pacific coast, citing confidence that the country's Surf City initiative will continue attracting international visitors over the long term.

El Salvador Increases Electricity Exports as Regional Drought Strains Power Supplies

El Salvador has expanded electricity exports to neighboring Central American countries by relying on geothermal generation and upgraded grid infrastructure while prolonged drought reduces hydroelectric output across the region.

Central Bank Reports El Salvador Economy Grew 3.4% in Latest Quarter

El Salvador's central bank says gross domestic product expanded 3.4% in the latest quarter, exceeding earlier forecasts from multilateral institutions and reflecting stronger domestic activity supported by construction and improved secur...

El Salvador Airport Expansion Advances with $320 Million Infrastructure Pipeline

The Autonomous Port Executive Commission has outlined a $320 million modernization program for El Salvador International Airport following the opening of a new $50 million passenger terminal intended to support continued growth in intern...

El Salvador and Guatemala Complete Customs Integration at La Ermita Border Crossing

Authorities in El Salvador and Guatemala have integrated customs operations at the La Ermita border crossing in a move expected to shorten transport times, reduce freight costs and strengthen regional supply chains across Central America.

Port of La Unión Expansion Gains Momentum Under $1.6 Billion Concession

Modernization of the Port of La Unión has advanced under a $1.6 billion concession, with dredging increasing channel depth to 10.5 meters and contributing to a 30% rise in regional vehicle distribution as major international shipping com...

El Salvador's Bitcoin Holdings Exceed 7,600 Coins Worth More Than $510 Million

El Salvador's treasury says it now holds 7,680 Bitcoin with an estimated value above $510 million, reflecting the government's continued policy of purchasing one Bitcoin each day despite pressure from international financial institutions.

Prominent Salvadoran Rights Advocates Detained Under Emergency Powers Draw International Scrutiny

International watchdogs have raised concerns after the arrests of prominent Salvadoran civil society leaders and journalists, including an anti-corruption director from a major regional organization, adding to international criticism of ...

Supreme Court Decision to Classify Presidential Asset Declarations Fuels Transparency Concerns

El Salvador's Supreme Court has authorized the classification of the president's personal asset declarations, breaking with previous transparency practices and prompting criticism from human rights and anti-corruption groups over growing...

El Salvador Extends State of Exception for 51st Time as Homicide Rate Falls to Record Low

El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has approved another 30-day extension of emergency security powers that have led to more than 92,000 arrests since 2022, a policy the government says has reduced the homicide rate to a historic low of 1...

El Salvador Offers Zero Income Tax to Attract Artificial Intelligence Investment

The Salvadoran government has introduced a full income tax exemption for artificial intelligence companies and data center operators as part of a strategy to expand geothermal energy parks and position the country as a regional hub for s...

United States and El Salvador Finalize Deportation Agreement During Marco Rubio Visit

The United States and El Salvador have concluded a bilateral migration and security agreement allowing Washington to deport undocumented migrants of multiple nationalities directly to El Salvador, with initial transfers of Venezuelan nat...

El Salvador Secures $1.4 Billion IMF Agreement After Easing Mandatory Bitcoin Rules

El Salvador has finalized a long-delayed $1.4 billion financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund after the Bukele administration agreed to repeal Article Seven of its cryptocurrency law, making Bitcoin an optional rather th...

Government Innovation Programs Support Growth of El Salvador’s Startup Ecosystem

The Ministry of Economy is expanding support for entrepreneurs through incubators, mentorship initiatives, and investment-focused programs intended to help local technology and digital-finance startups scale across the region.

Climate Resilience Projects Target Coastal and Urban Infrastructure Risks

El Salvador is incorporating resilience measures into major infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements, road upgrades, and disaster-prevention initiatives designed to protect communities and tourism assets from increasingly...

El Salvador Accelerates Public Sector Digital Transformation

The government is continuing efforts to digitize administrative services and business processes, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and improve access to public services through centralized digital platforms.

Central America Intensifies Cooperation Against Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking

Regional governments continue to prioritize joint efforts against organized crime networks, combining technology, intelligence-sharing, and cross-border coordination to disrupt trafficking operations.

Digital Health and Telemedicine Programs Expand Access to Care in El Salvador

The Ministry of Health is broadening the use of telemedicine and artificial intelligence-assisted healthcare services to improve treatment management and expand access to specialized care in underserved communities.

El Salvador and Regional Partners Pursue Closer Trade and Supply Chain Integration

Salvadoran officials are participating in regional initiatives aimed at improving trade flows, modernizing customs procedures, and strengthening supply chain resilience through better infrastructure and logistics coordination.

Airport Expansion Projects Strengthen El Salvador’s Regional Connectivity

Ongoing upgrades at El Salvador’s international airport are increasing its role as a regional aviation hub, supporting growing passenger traffic and the country’s ambitions to become a key gateway for Central America.

El Salvador’s Digital Infrastructure Push Draws Interest From International Technology Talent

The country’s emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital modernization is attracting attention from technology startups and professionals seeking opportunities within a policy environment focused on innovation and competitiveness.

Central American Security Agencies Deepen Coordination Against Cross-Border Gang Activity

Law enforcement agencies are expanding intelligence-sharing and joint operations to prevent criminal groups from exploiting regional borders and to safeguard recent public security gains achieved in El Salvador.

Real Estate and Retail Investment in El Salvador Remains Resilient

Developers continue to report interest in major projects in the San Salvador metropolitan area, supported by improved security conditions and government incentives despite broader economic uncertainty across the region.

El Salvador’s Central Bank Pushes Fintech Adoption to Expand Financial Inclusion

The Central Reserve Bank is promoting a national fintech strategy aimed at modernizing digital payments and mobile banking services, with the goal of extending access to formal financial products among underserved communities.

Regional Cooperation on Migration and Border Security Remains in Focus

Governments across Central America are working more closely on border management and migration policies, supported by international partners seeking to improve security, stabilize transit routes, and limit the influence of organized crime.

United States and Panama Strengthen Cargo Screening at Colón Free Zone

Authorities from the United States and Panama have integrated advanced cargo-scanning technology at the Colón Free Zone, enhancing oversight at one of the region’s most important logistics hubs and supporting efforts to disrupt illicit t...

El Salvador Balances Infrastructure Investment With Long-Term Fiscal Goals

Economic policymakers in El Salvador continue to focus on managing public finances while maintaining infrastructure spending, as international financial institutions monitor debt sustainability and broader efforts to preserve investor co...

Regional Governments Prepare for Potential El Niño Weather Disruptions

Authorities across Central America, including agencies in El Salvador, are stepping up contingency planning as forecasts point to a significant El Niño event that could increase the risks of flooding, landslides, and damage to key transp...

Surf City Expansion Continues to Drive Growth in El Salvador’s Visitor Economy

Ongoing investment in coastal tourism infrastructure, hospitality facilities, and aviation connectivity is helping boost international visitor arrivals, reinforcing El Salvador’s ambitions to become a leading destination for surfing, cul...

El Salvador Advances Artificial Intelligence Rollout Across Public Education System

The Salvadoran government is moving ahead with plans to introduce artificial intelligence tools in public schools, aiming to strengthen digital literacy and develop future workforce skills through partnerships designed to support innovat...

El Salvador Expands Bitcoin and Digital Finance Infrastructure to Attract Global Partnerships

Economic authorities and fintech companies in El Salvador are advancing Bitcoin-related and digital-finance initiatives, seeking to attract international technology partnerships while building more structured financial services that conn...

El Salvador’s Security Strategy Continues to Reshape Investment and Tourism Outlook

Sustained reductions in violent crime and gang activity under President Nayib Bukele’s administration are increasingly being viewed by investors and international observers as a key factor supporting growth in tourism, retail activity, a...

United States Announces US$150 Million in Humanitarian Aid After Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes

The United States has pledged US$150 million in humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts in Venezuela following twin earthquakes that caused extensive infrastructure damage and significant loss of life, prompting emergency coo...

Central Reserve Bank Reports Continued Dominance of Dollar-Based Digital Payments

The Central Reserve Bank said that more than 90 percent of daily consumer transactions continue to be conducted in U.S. dollars, highlighting the maturity of El Salvador’s dual-currency financial ecosystem despite ongoing Bitcoin accumul...

Guatemala and Panama Expand Solar Power Projects to Meet Rising Regional Demand

Energy companies and government agencies reported major new solar developments and energy-storage investments as Central America works to support growing electricity demand from manufacturing and technology industries.

El Salvador Secures Major International Surfing Championships for Surf City

Tourism authorities and the International Surfing Association confirmed that upcoming global surfing events will be hosted in Surf City, further strengthening the country’s profile as a destination for sports tourism.

International Rights Groups Call for Continued Dialogue on Judicial and Constitutional Reforms

Human rights organizations and diplomatic observers have encouraged the Salvadoran government to maintain transparency and due process in major legal proceedings as debates over governance reforms continue.

Climate Resilience Projects Accelerate Ahead of Hurricane Season

Following updated seasonal forecasts, environmental and disaster-response agencies have stepped up investments in flood control, landslide prevention, and infrastructure protection along critical transport corridors.

El Salvador and Neighbors Coordinate New Border Management Measures

Migration authorities from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have introduced joint operational protocols aimed at improving humanitarian conditions while strengthening security along key transit routes.

Pacific Railway Project Moves Forward With New Engineering Assessments

Transportation officials presented updated studies for the proposed Pacific Train corridor, a project intended to connect industrial centers with maritime ports and support future regional rail integration.

El Salvador Advances Digital Healthcare Modernization Program

The Health Ministry has partnered with international medical technology companies on a nationwide initiative to deploy advanced health information systems and telemedicine services across urban and rural communities.