A. M. 
Courtesy
El Salvador has consolidated Korea as a key partner in its economy, with an impressive 193% growth in exports since 2017. According to data from the Banco Central de Reserva, the country went from exporting US$13.21 million in 2017 to US$38.74 million in august 2024. This increase highlights the relevance of Korea in Salvadoran trade, said Leticia Escobar, President of the Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador (Camarasal).
Within the framework of this growing exchange, the Korea-El Salvador Business Forum was held under the theme “Strengthening economic cooperation”, organized by the Korean Embassy and the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). This event was attended by key figures such as Ambassador Choo Won Hoon and Miguel Kattan, Secretary of Trade and Investment of the Presidency, who highlighted the importance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Korea and Central America.
The main objective of the forum was to raise awareness of business opportunities and strengthen trade ties between the two countries. In addition to promoting trade, the meeting served to analyze how salvadoran companies can benefit from the FTA, optimizing their trade relations with Korea.
Several representatives from the industrial and business sectors participated in the event, including KOTRA and CAMTEX, who addressed topics such as the textile and construction industries in El Salvador. These sectors have shown interest in attracting more Korean investment, given the growth potential in these areas.
The event also offered a business roundtable led by KOTRA, where Korean companies in areas such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and auto parts presented their products, opening new opportunities for cooperation and trade development between the two nations.
The growth of exports and the strengthening of trade relations with Korea point to a promising future for El Salvador, where both countries continue to deepen their economic cooperation, driven by the framework of the FTA and the growing Asian investments.
