AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Aeroméxico will launch the first nonstop Mexico City–Nassau route on March 19, 2027, giving The Bahamas a direct Latin America gateway and boosting tourism, trade, and investment links. El Salvador Business & Investment: OPAMSS mapped $7.126B in approved growth corridors via 715 private projects, targeting $9B total approved investment by year-end, with logistics and mixed-use hubs expanding beyond central San Salvador. Creative Economy: El Salvador’s creative exports hit $93.61M in Jan–Jul 2026, led by industrial design/print and books, while software and digital output also contributed. Relocation & Taxes: Rumavi’s 2026 Global Relocation Index places El Salvador 70th, highlighting strong foreign property rights and tax treatment, but weaker education and startup ecosystem scores. Aviation Skills Demand: El Salvador’s civil aviation expansion is driving hiring needs for pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance technicians, with Aeroman cited as a key employer. Food Supply Resilience: An El Salvador bakery unit is sustaining production through local supply links and molasses amid sugar shortages, while unreliable electricity remains a bottleneck. Human Rights & Deportations: A new report details how US third-country deportation practices funnel people into detention systems, including cases tied to El Salvador’s prison network. Weather Risk: El Niño has reached record intensity (3.07°C), raising concerns for drought and food security across Central America.

Urban Investment Push: OPAMSS mapped new San Salvador growth corridors, unlocking a $7.126B pipeline across 715 private projects and targeting $9B in approved investment by year-end, with logistics-focused expansion in Apopa/Nejapa and mixed-use growth along La Libertad axes. Creative Exports: El Salvador’s creative economy exported $93.61M Jan–Jul 2026, led by industrial design/print (77.8%) and books/publishing, while software and digital production reached $8.02M. Relocation Appeal: Rumavi’s 2026 Global Relocation Index ranks El Salvador 70th globally, boosted by strong property rights and tax perks, but with weaker education and a small startup ecosystem. Tourism Skills for Jobs: Bukele’s Gastro-Lab Surf City program expanded advanced gastronomy training for coastal youth, adding to 1,200+ graduates since 2021 with IDB and WFP support. Tourism Momentum: El Salvador hit a historic tourism milestone, with visitor growth reaching 37% in 2026. Regional Connectivity: El Salvador’s aviation strategy and Acajutla port upgrades are also highlighted as part of broader trade and mobility improvements.

Tourism Momentum: El Salvador is topping UNWTO growth rankings, with international visitor numbers up 37% in 2026 (vs. 2025), reinforcing the link between public security and travel demand. Workforce & Skills: The Ministry of Tourism is expanding the Gastro-Lab Surf City program, training more young Salvadorans for hospitality and gastronomy; 400+ graduated in 2025–26 and 1,200+ since 2021, supported by the IDB and WFP. Infrastructure & Trade: Acajutla Port is cutting vessel wait times from 12 days to 24 hours after an infrastructure overhaul, aiming to speed up commerce. Energy & Climate Risk: A super El Niño is intensifying and could push 700,000 people in El Salvador toward emergency food needs, with drought and higher costs tied to disrupted shipping. Global Mobility: US CBP added El Salvador to its Global Entry partner list, enabling faster airport clearance for eligible travelers. Digital & Customs: El Salvador is modernizing customs and supply chains with AI, targeting smoother trade flows.

Tourism Growth: El Salvador is topping UNWTO’s 2026 tourism growth rankings, with international arrivals up 37% from 2025 to 2026, as the country positions itself as a faster-rising global destination. Workforce Development: The Ministry of Tourism expanded its Gastro-Lab Surf City program, training students in advanced gastronomy to meet rising hospitality demand, with 400+ graduates in 2025–2026 and 1,200+ since 2021. Transport & Infrastructure: French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier praised El Salvador’s Aerocable in Mejicanos during an inspection tied to the installation of the project’s ninth support tower, highlighting faster commute times and economic benefits. Trade & Travel Facilitation: U.S. CBP added El Salvador to its Global Entry partner list, allowing eligible travelers faster immigration clearance at airports. Climate & Food Security Risk: A Reuters report warns that a “super” El Niño could push 700,000 people in El Salvador into emergency food needs as shipping disruptions raise costs and poor rains threaten drought.

Tourism Momentum: El Salvador is topping UNWTO growth rankings, with international arrivals up 37% in 2026 (2025–2026), reinforcing the link between security improvements and travel demand. Workforce & Skills: The Ministry of Tourism expanded its Gastro-Lab Surf City program, training students in advanced gastronomy; over 400 graduated in 2025–2026 and total graduates now exceed 1,200 since 2021, supported by the IDB and WFP. Urban Mobility Investment: French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier inspected El Salvador’s Aerocable in Mejicanos as the project installs its ninth support tower, highlighting faster commutes and economic benefits from improved public transport. Trade & Connectivity: El Salvador’s Acajutla Port cut vessel wait times from 12 days to 24 hours amid infrastructure upgrades, aiming to boost logistics efficiency for exporters. Global Travel Access: U.S. CBP added El Salvador to its Global Entry fast-track list, allowing eligible travelers to speed up immigration clearance at U.S. airports. Regional Risk Watch: A Reuters report warns a “super” El Niño could worsen food security in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, with poor rains potentially pushing 700,000 people in El Salvador toward emergency needs.

Tourism Boom: El Salvador is hitting a historic travel surge, with UNWTO-cited data showing 37% international visitor growth in 2026 (Jan–Jun: 2.49M visitors; 2.18M stayovers), as the country positions itself as a top global destination. Workforce Development: Bukele’s government is expanding tourism training via the Gastro-Lab Surf City program, graduating 400 students in 2025–26 and topping 1,200 total since 2021, supported by the IDB and WFP. Urban Mobility Investment: French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier praised the Aerocable Mejicanos cable car as a major mobility upgrade, with a ninth support tower installed and faster commute times expected. Trade & Business Meetings: El Salvador Travel Market 2026 wrapped up in San Salvador with 988 business meetings, 100 international buyers, and 56 tourism-linked companies, plus 20 local SMEs showcasing products. Global Finance: The OPEC Fund approved US$645M for water, energy, transport, reforms, and private-sector access to finance across 14 countries. Immigration/Travel Access: The US added El Salvador to a list of 23 countries whose citizens can use Global Entry for faster airport clearance. Climate Risk: A “super El Niño” is intensifying and could push 700,000 people in El Salvador toward emergency food needs as shipping and input costs rise. Legal/Policy Watch: A US appeals court ruled DHS third-country deportation procedures are unlawful without meaningful notice and a chance to raise fear claims.

Tourism Momentum: El Salvador closed its second El Salvador Travel Market 2026 in San Salvador with 988 business meetings involving 100 international buyers and 56 tourism-linked companies, plus 20 local SMEs showcasing crafts; Casatur says the activity could translate into several million dollars in short and medium term. Transport & Investment: French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier praised the Aerocable Mejicanos cable car as a major mobility upgrade, highlighting faster commutes and the project’s ninth support tower installation. Energy Deal: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy will sell its indirect stake in the 5MW San Isidro solar plant in Cabañas for about $3.27M to Potenza Holdings, with closing expected by Q1 2027. Climate Risk: A Reuters report warns a “super El Niño” could push 700,000 people in El Salvador into emergency food response needs as drought and shipping disruptions raise costs. Bitcoin Policy: El Salvador continues stacking Bitcoin, buying 1 BTC daily.

Tourism Momentum: UN Tourism data puts El Salvador among the world’s top-performing destinations in 2026, with international arrivals up 37% in the first half of the year (2.49M visitors; 2.18M stayovers). Aviation & Trade Connectivity: El Salvador is positioning itself as Central America’s aviation benchmark, citing upgraded standards, 13 authorized aerodromes, 25 airlines, and expanded air agreements (20 partners) to boost cargo and tourism. French Investment Push: France’s trade minister Nicolas Forissier visited the Aerocable in Mejicanos, praising the mobility upgrade and its economic spillovers as the project adds its ninth support tower. Food Security Risk: A super El Niño expected to peak late 2026 threatens food security across Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, with the IRC warning poor rains could push 700,000 Salvadorans into emergency need. Renewables Deal: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy will sell its indirect stake in the San Isidro solar plant to Potenza Holdings for about US$3.27M, with completion targeted for Q1 2027. Agriculture Expansion: MAG reports Ahuachapán is set to become a key granary, with thousands of manzanas earmarked for basic grains and irrigation-backed production. Tourism Business Networking: El Salvador Travel Market 2026 closed with 988 business meetings involving 100 international buyers and 56 tourism-linked companies.

French Investment Push: France’s trade minister Nicolas Forissier is visiting El Salvador (Sept. 17–18) with business leaders, signaling fresh interest in construction and tourism and deeper economic ties. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: El Salvador is positioning its aviation system as a Central America benchmark, citing upgraded standards, more airlines and aerodromes, and expanded air agreements to boost cargo and tourism. Food Security in the West: Ahuachapán is being lined up as a “granary” for basic grains, with MAG pointing to irrigated land and tens of thousands of manzanas for corn and other staples. Renewables Deal: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy will sell its San Isidro solar stake to Potenza Holdings for $3.27m, with closing expected by Q1 2027. US Drug-Transit Designations: The US list for FY2027 names El Salvador among 23 major drug transit/producing countries, while also removing Venezuela from the “failed” drug list for the first time in over 20 years. Immigration Policy Watch: Salvadorans with TPS are still in limbo as advocates push for clarity on extensions and work authorization.

US–Drug Policy: The Trump administration published its FY2027 list of 23 major drug transit/producing countries, naming El Salvador among them, while also removing Venezuela from the “failed” drug-fighting designation for the first time in over 20 years. Security Allies: In the same FY2027 determination, Washington singled out El Salvador, Argentina and Ecuador as key Western Hemisphere security allies for “success in the fight against narcoterrorism,” citing major Salvadoran seizures in 2026. Trade & Logistics: El Salvador is pushing faster cross-border commerce with AI-backed customs modernization and Expo Logística updates, while the Port of Acajutla’s upgrades cut container vessel wait times from about 12 days (2025) to roughly 24 hours (2026). Tourism Business: El Salvador Travel Market 2026 (Sept. 14–18) is positioning the country as a regional tourism hub, linking local operators with international wholesalers and buyers. Immigration Risk for Workers: Salvadorans with TPS in the US face uncertainty as protections are extended “for now,” but timelines and work-permit renewals remain unclear.

Port Efficiency Boost: El Salvador’s Port of Acajutla cut container ship waiting times from about 12 days (2025) to roughly 24 hours (2026) after infrastructure and software upgrades, including Navis N4 and SAP ERP, plus work toward a Maritime Single Window to streamline documentation. Trade & Competitiveness: El Salvador is also modernizing customs and supply chains with AI and coordinated reforms across agencies to speed cross-border logistics. Tourism Deal-Making: The El Salvador Travel Market 2026 (Sept. 14–18) is set to bring international wholesalers and buyers to expand tourism business ties, with visits to sites like Tazumal and Ataco. Telecom Reshuffle: Digicel agreed to sell its El Salvador operations to GITES as it refocuses on Caribbean markets, with closing expected in the first half of 2027. Workforce Development: UNDP and INCAF are strengthening vocational training to match “jobs of the future,” targeting priority groups and skills for a changing labor market. Energy Strategy: El Salvador is advancing nuclear energy planning with IAEA support, building regulatory and institutional capacity for a long-term program. Climate Risk: El Niño drought is worsening across the Dry Corridor, with UN warnings that 16 million people in Latin America could face food insecurity. US Security Signals: In FY2027 drug policy determinations, the US highlighted El Salvador as a premier anti-narcoterrorism ally while also listing it among 23 major drug transit/producing countries.

Crypto & Markets: Bitget Wallet integrated Arc and Reality to let users trade tokenized assets and tokenized U.S. stocks/ETFs from self-custody, with Arc live on day one and Reality’s rTokens initially on Arbitrum and Morph. Public Finance & Oversight: A finance ministerial statement defended National Investment Fund spending and governance, saying public purpose doesn’t remove the need for accountability and that legal advice guided actions before full governance was operational. Drug Policy & Regional Impact: The U.S. issued its FY27 “major drug transit/illicit drug producing” list, naming El Salvador among 23 countries, while also noting inclusion doesn’t reflect current counterdrug performance; Trump separately praised India’s opium crackdown. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is worsening drought across the Central American Dry Corridor, with dead livestock, failed crops, and acute water shortages hitting communities including El Salvador. Infrastructure & Local Growth: President Bukele highlighted Los Toles’ upgraded road network and a renovated school, linking better connectivity to commerce, tourism, and jobs. Telecom Restructuring: Digicel agreed to sell its El Salvador operation as it narrows focus to the Caribbean, with closing targeted for 1H 2027.

Crypto & Markets: Bitget Wallet integrated Reality’s tokenized-asset protocol, letting its 100M users trade 1,700+ tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs from a self-custodial wallet, with rTokens backed 1:1 by real shares. Health Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed a regional pathway to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador, via PAHO procurement. Climate Shock: El Nino is deepening hunger across the Central American Dry Corridor, with dead livestock, failed harvests, and acute water shortages hitting communities in El Salvador and neighbors. Infrastructure & Growth: President Bukele inaugurated an expanded Los Toles road and a renovated school in Ahuachapán, aiming to boost commerce, tourism, and safer connectivity while pushing tech in education. Telecom Reshuffle: Digicel signed an agreement to sell its El Salvador operations as it narrows focus to Caribbean markets, with closing expected in 1H 2027. Immigration & Labor: Salvadorans with U.S. TPS received a temporary reprieve to stay and work legally for now, but the longer-term outlook remains uncertain.

TPS Reprieve for Salvadorans: DHS says it will not end Temporary Protected Status for about 170,000 Salvadorans for now, after a last-minute freeze on an order that would have ended protections—leaving families and employers in limbo but avoiding immediate deportation risk. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) via PAHO’s regional purchasing system, creating a pathway for 14 countries including El Salvador to scale PrEP. AI for Trade: At the WTO World Trade & Tech Day, El Salvador’s economy minister highlighted the country’s AI strategy and new institutions aimed at boosting trade facilitation, logistics, financial services, and manufacturing. Telecom Deal: Digicel said it is selling its El Salvador operations to General International Telecom El Salvador (GITES), expected to close in the first half of 2027, while focusing on Caribbean markets. Digital Finance: Bitget Wallet added Reality-issued rTokens, letting eligible users trade tokenized US stocks and ETFs on-chain.

Immigration & Labor: DHS says it will temporarily freeze enforcement of an order ending TPS for about 170,000 Salvadorans, keeping protections in place “for now” while no timeline is given—leaving families and employers in limbo but likely averting near-term deportations. Trade & Investment: El Salvador and Belize signed a Partial Scope Agreement that cuts tariffs on hundreds of Belizean products and sets up a bilateral trade and investment promotion group; Belize and Honduras are also exploring a similar pact during PM Briceño’s visit. AI & Competitiveness: At the WTO World Trade & Tech Day, El Salvador’s economy minister highlighted AI integration across trade facilitation, logistics, financial services, call centers, and textiles, pointing to the 2026 National AI Strategy and a new AI agency. Connectivity & Tourism: Iberojet launched the first direct Madrid–San Salvador flight and a new non-stop to Barcelona, aiming to boost European arrivals and commercial activity. Climate Resilience: CABEI and MARN launched a $268.35M Green Climate Fund-backed drought adaptation initiative for the Dry Corridor, targeting watershed restoration and sustainable agriculture. Telecom Restructuring: Digicel agreed to sell its El Salvador operations, expected to close in 1H 2027, to refocus on Caribbean markets.

Climate Finance & Drought Resilience: CABEI and El Salvador (with MARN) launched a $268.35M ADAPTA-R initiative backed by the Green Climate Fund to restore watersheds and ecosystems in the Dry Corridor, protecting about 12,000 hectares of forest and supporting over a million people, with a focus on small farmers and rural women. Tourism & Connectivity: Iberojet began the first direct Madrid–San Salvador flight and launched non-stop service to Barcelona, aiming to boost European arrivals and trade links. Sports-Led Growth: Surf City El Salvador wrapped the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026 with 428 athletes from 56 delegations, highlighting the country’s event infrastructure and safety. Energy/Environment Risk Watch: Lake Güija’s rainy season fell short, threatening fishing, farming, and shared water supplies for families in El Salvador and Guatemala. Immigration & Labor Impact: With U.S. TPS decisions still in flux, Salvadorans in the U.S. face uncertainty that could disrupt work and local communities.