The International Monetary Fund has approved a $138 million disbursement for El Salvador, waiving certain compliance targets linked to the country's Bitcoin policies as negotiations continue over broader economic and financial stability measures.
US Immigration Policy Changes Threaten Remittances and Economic Growth in El Salvador and Honduras
Economic analysts warn that potential changes to US Temporary Protected Status could affect hundreds of thousands of Central American migrants, putting remittance flows, household spending and economic growth at risk in El Salvador and Honduras.
Central American Remittance Slowdown Weighs on Consumer Spending Outlook
Financial institutions are reporting slower growth in money transfers from the United States, prompting banks and retailers in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to reassess consumer spending forecasts amid concerns about household purchasing power.
Costa Rica Reports 23% Surge in Foreign Investment Led by Technology and Medical Devices
Costa Rica's central bank has reported a 23% increase in foreign direct investment, driven largely by technology manufacturing, medical devices and digital services operating in the country's free trade zones.
El Salvador Advances $1.6 Billion Port Modernisation Partnership With Turkey's Yilport
El Salvador's port authority is moving ahead with new phases of a $1.6 billion private investment agreement with Turkish operator Yilport Holding to modernise the ports of Acajutla and La Unión, strengthening the country's maritime infrastructure and regional trade connections.
European Investment Bank Approves €200 Million to Modernise Honduras' Electricity Grid
Honduras has secured €200 million in financing from the European Investment Bank to upgrade its national electricity network, with the investment intended to improve power reliability, support long-term energy needs and accommodate growing industrial demand.
Former Visa and JPMorgan Executives Take Majority Control of El Salvador's Chivo Wallet
California-based Linguard Labs, led by former Visa and JPMorgan executives, has announced a public-private partnership to take majority control of El Salvador's state-backed Chivo wallet. The planned relaunch will introduce microloans, cash advances and fee-free remittances from the United States to expand access to financial services.
El Salvador's Government Bitcoin Holdings Exceed $643 Million
El Salvador's national Bitcoin holdings have risen to nearly 7,800 coins, valued at more than $643 million, according to financial authorities. President Nayib Bukele's government continues its policy of purchasing Bitcoin daily despite ongoing disagreements with international lenders.
Interpol Operation Leads to 233 Arrests in Central American Environmental Crime Crackdown
An Interpol-coordinated operation involving Panama, Costa Rica and other Central American countries has resulted in 233 arrests, disrupting criminal networks involved in illegal gold mining, timber smuggling and other environmental offences.
Guatemala Draws More Multinational Investment as Manufacturers Shift Production Closer to the US
Guatemala's economic development agencies report growing foreign investment from multinational companies relocating manufacturing operations from Asia to Central America. The shift reflects stronger interest in production facilities closer to the United States and increasing competition among regional manufacturing centres.
Costa Rica Proposes AI and Blockchain Regulations to Attract Foreign Investment
Technology industry representatives and legal experts in Costa Rica have introduced a proposed regulatory framework for artificial intelligence and blockchain development, aiming to provide greater legal certainty and attract international investment in financial technology and digital infrastructure.
Costa Rican Tourism Industry Reports 20,000 Job Losses as Strong Colón Squeezes Businesses
Tourism industry associations in Costa Rica say the sector has lost approximately 20,000 jobs over the past two years, with the strong colón against the US dollar putting pressure on profit margins and making it harder for smaller hospitality businesses to remain profitable.
El Salvador Reports Rising Private Investment as Security Conditions Improve
Economic planning authorities in El Salvador report continued growth in domestic private investment, attributing the increase to reduced organised crime and government regulatory reforms that have improved conditions for businesses.
Costa Rica Launches Limón Development Plan to Expand Tourism and Upgrade Infrastructure
President Rodrigo Chaves' administration has activated an inter-agency task force to implement the Limón Plan, bringing together tourism development, port logistics, infrastructure upgrades and environmental investment to support economic activity in Costa Rica's Caribbean coastal province.
Honduras Holds Benchmark Interest Rate Steady Amid Inflation Concerns
The Central Bank of Honduras has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged following its latest policy review, seeking to contain consumer price pressures while supporting a gradual economic recovery.
New Central American Migrant Caravans Head North Amid Economic and Security Pressures
Groups of migrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have resumed journeys north towards Mexico, reflecting continuing concerns over employment opportunities, economic hardship and local security conditions across Central America's Northern Triangle.
Panama Reviews Shipping Routes and Port Congestion as Regional Export Volumes Shift
Maritime operators and logistics analysts in Panama are reviewing shipping schedules and port congestion as changing agricultural and manufacturing exports affect cargo movements through the Panama Canal trade corridor.
El Salvador Secures International Surfing Partnership to Host Six Major Events Through 2027
El Salvador's tourism ministry and the International Surfing Association have agreed to stage six major international surfing competitions along the country's Surf City coastline through 2027, supporting efforts to attract visitors and investment in tourism and hospitality.
El Salvador Expands Fintech Investment as AI Readiness Gains Regional Recognition
Technology hubs in San Salvador are reporting growing venture capital interest in financial technology startups, supported by independent assessments recognising the country's progress in artificial intelligence infrastructure and government digital services.
San Salvador Relocates Street Vendors as Historic Centre Redevelopment Continues
Municipal authorities in El Salvador's capital are relocating unlicensed street vendors from the historic city centre as part of President Nayib Bukele's urban renewal programme, which aims to improve security, preserve historic buildings and encourage commercial investment.