A. M. 
The growth of the handicrafts sector continues to show signs of economic dynamism in El Salvador, reflected in the record number of more than 120 participants registered for the Premio Nacional de Artesanías 2025. This government-backed initiative seeks to strengthen the productive activity of artisans and promote their integration into more competitive value chains.
The president of the Comisión Nacional de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (CONAMYPE), Paul Steiner, reported that 22 awards will be presented this year, including two prizes that will be determined by public vote. According to the institution, this increase in participation demonstrates greater formalization, diversification, and professionalization of the handicrafts sector, which is considered strategic for the country’s creative economy.
The 2025 edition’s theme is “Manos que crean identidad”, aimed at highlighting products that represent cultural elements and contribute to the country’s positioning in local and international markets. Steiner noted that the technical quality and commercial value of the submissions increase each year, opening opportunities for export, cultural tourism, and income generation in producing communities.
CONAMYPE also emphasized that the community workshops promoted in recent years seek to strengthen the artisanal economic chain, from training to marketing. These initiatives allow more families to generate sustainable income and enable local production to adapt to market standards without losing its cultural authenticity.
SMODA to boost fashion sector growth
As part of efforts to revitalize the creative economy, El Salvador’s official fashion cluster, SMODA, will hold its third edition on december 13 and 14 in the port city of La Libertad. The event will include runway shows, exhibitions, and business spaces where Salvadoran designers can present their products, establish business contacts, and expand their market reach.
Both the Premio Nacional de Artesanías and SMODA are part of a broader strategy to strengthen micro and small businesses, a sector that represents a key pillar in job creation, productive innovation, and the country’s economic growth.
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