
The Legislative Assembly has approved, with 56 votes, the addition of US$464,470 to the Ministry of Finance’s budget to fund four projects focused on modernizing customs services, facilitating foreign trade, and attracting investment. A key initiative among these is the creation of the “Foreign Trade Portal of El Salvador”, a digital tool designed to consolidate information related to the country’s commercial activities.
US$10,500 has been allocated for the development and implementation of this platform, covering the acquisition and installation of the necessary technological equipment to make it operational. The goal is to provide a digital space where users can access commercial information relevant to their business activities.
The approved funds are derived from a loan provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and are part of the “Trade and Investment Facilitation Program in El Salvador.” The project will be executed by the Ministry of Finance, through the General Directorate of Customs, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy.
The portal is part of broader efforts to improve access to information concerning foreign trade. By making this data available on a digital platform, the initiative aims to assist those engaged in commercial activities by providing them with useful information for their operations.
In addition to the creation of this tool, the budget allocation includes US$102,870 for the “Program for the Modernization and Strengthening of Special Regimes and Investments”. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and services, while also improving the business environment in El Salvador.
As part of this program, and with the support of the Ministry of Economy, various promotional activities, events, and missions will be carried out to showcase the advantages offered by the country and generate opportunities to attract new investment. Another project will receive US$250,000 to acquire a property adjacent to the El Poy border crossing, located in Citalá, Chalatenango. This purchase will allow for an expansion of available space and improvements to the facilities, with the goal of strengthening infrastructure, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing the control of goods entering and leaving salvadoran territory.
The remaining US$101,100 will be allocated to the operation of the unit responsible for coordinating and monitoring the projects. These funds will cover personnel recruitment, equipment procurement, and other operational expenses necessary to carry out the activities outlined in the program. Through this budget allocation, the government aims to advance the digitalization of trade-related information and modernize services pertaining to foreign trade and investment.
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