IMF Approves $140 Million for El Salvador Despite Dispute Over Bitcoin Holdings
The International Monetary Fund approved approximately $140 million in financial support for El Salvador, granting a waiver related to the government's cryptocurrency accumulation as the country pursues fiscal reforms and reports improvements in public security.
El Salvador Raises Economic Growth Forecast to 5% as Foreign Investment Expands
El Salvador's central bank raised its economic growth forecast to 5% for the current year, citing more than $503 million in new corporate expansion investments amid improving security conditions and efforts to attract businesses relocating production closer to major markets.
Human Rights Watch Raises Concerns Over Mass Trials Under El Salvador's State of Emergency
Human Rights Watch has criticised mass judicial proceedings under El Salvador's continuing state of emergency, alleging serious violations of due process and inadequate access to legal representation for thousands detained during the government's crackdown on criminal gangs.
US Accelerates Deportation Flights to El Salvador Under Bilateral Security Cooperation
US authorities have carried out repatriation flights returning convicted criminals and suspected undocumented migrants to El Salvador, stepping up cooperation between the two governments on transnational gang activity and irregular migration.
Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake in Panama Disrupts Regional Air Travel and Business Operations
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama forced temporary closures at Tocumen International Airport and prompted the allocation of $100 million in emergency funding, disrupting aviation connections and business travel across Central America.
European Union Removes Panama From Tax Haven Blacklist Following Financial Reforms
The European Union has removed Panama from its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions following financial transparency reforms, a move expected to improve banking conditions and support cross-border investment across Central America.
El Salvador's Government Bitcoin Holdings Exceed $643 Million
El Salvador's national Bitcoin reserves have grown to nearly 7,800 coins during October, reaching a reported value of more than $643 million as the government continues accumulating cryptocurrency as part of its digital asset policy.
Bitcoin-Based Remittances to El Salvador Rise More Than 41% Year on Year
Remittances sent to El Salvador through cryptocurrency networks and Bitcoin infrastructure increased by more than 41% from a year earlier, according to regional economic briefings, pointing to growing use of digital payment channels for cross-border transfers.
Landslides Force Closure of Costa Rica's Route 32, Disrupting Regional Trade
Severe weather and landslides have forced Costa Rican authorities to close Route 32 between San José and the Caribbean port of Limón, delaying freight movements and disrupting supply chains connected to regional export markets.
El Salvador Issues Flood and Landslide Warnings Across Vulnerable Areas
El Salvador's environmental authorities have raised alerts for possible flash flooding and landslides in several parts of the country, urging municipalities and infrastructure operators to take precautions to protect communities and transport routes.
Earthquake Off El Salvador's Pacific Coast Prompts Infrastructure Safety Checks
An offshore earthquake near El Salvador's Sonsonate department was felt across parts of Central America's Pacific region, prompting authorities to assess the safety of nearby maritime infrastructure and coastal tourism facilities.
El Salvador's New China-Funded National Stadium Reaches 75% Completion
President Nayib Bukele said construction of El Salvador's new 50,000-seat National Stadium in Antiguo Cuscatlán is 75% complete, marking further progress on the Chinese-backed project intended to attract major sporting and entertainment events.
El Salvador Updates Propane Gas Subsidy Requirements for Households and Small Businesses
El Salvador's Economy Ministry has revised eligibility requirements and application procedures for its propane gas subsidy programme, which aims to help lower-income households and small businesses manage energy costs.
DELSUR Schedules October Power Outages for Electricity Network Maintenance in El Salvador
Electricity distributor DELSUR has announced planned service interruptions across parts of El Salvador in mid-October to carry out maintenance and network upgrades intended to improve the reliability of power supplies.
Cruise Ship Brings Nearly 2,000 International Visitors to El Salvador's Port of Acajutla
Nearly 2,000 international cruise passengers arrived at El Salvador's Port of Acajutla aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, highlighting the country's efforts to expand coastal tourism through improved port facilities and maritime services.
El Salvador Temporarily Closes Zapatero Canal in Barra de Santiago Nature Reserve
El Salvador's Environment Ministry has restricted access to the Zapatero Canal in Barra de Santiago to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems and manage environmental risks, temporarily limiting visitor access to the popular western tourism area.
Thousands Join San Salvador Running Event as Public Spaces See Renewed Activity
Thousands of participants took part in the We All Run event through the streets of San Salvador, reflecting increased public use of urban spaces following the government's crackdown on territorial gang control.
El Salvador's Ivonne Nóchez Breaks World Record in 200-Metre Roller Speed Skating
Salvadoran speed skater Ivonne Nóchez set a world record in the 200-metre event during an international competition, earning a major sporting victory and raising El Salvador's profile in competitive roller speed skating.
El Salvador's Natural History Museum Marks 143 Years of Scientific and Cultural Preservation
El Salvador's national natural history museum has celebrated its 143rd anniversary, highlighting efforts to preserve the country's biodiversity, expand scientific collections and strengthen educational and cultural resources.
El Salvador Banks Adjust Operating Hours for October Holiday
Commercial banks and financial institutions across El Salvador have adjusted branch opening hours for the Columbus Day holiday, with digital banking services and automated teller machines available to support everyday transactions.