A. M. 
As part of the initiatives promoted by the Government of El Salvador, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to foster greater development and well-being opportunities for returning migrants in their communities of origin, the “Rincón Azul” store was inaugurated today in Cerro Verde Natural Park.
“This new space highlights the talent, creativity, and dedication of our returning compatriots, who continue to work hard to support their families and communities”, stated Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal, during the inauguration ceremony.
She also noted that Rincón Azul is a flagship project of the Transformando Vidas, Program, which strengthens the skills of returning migrants and creates opportunities for their products to be marketed and recognized both nationally and internationally.
She emphasized that this initiative demonstrates how productive reintegration can become a real opportunity for our compatriots to contribute to the country’s economic and social development. “You will meet the eight returning entrepreneurs who have had the opportunity to showcase their talent and dedication to national and international tourists”, she said.
She also said that, during this process, the entrepreneurs have participated in workshops on leadership, psychosocial support, social cohesion, business associations, and management, with the support of the Grupo de Monitoreo Independiente de El Salvador (GMIES). In this store, visitors will find food, clothing, jewelry, natural products, handicrafts, and other items, all made with effort, care, and professionalism.
“Visitors to Cerro Verde will find products with a story of resilience, creativity, and hope, reflecting the commitment of our compatriots to thrive in their country. Purchasing these products not only supports the productive reintegration of returnees but also demonstrates their entrepreneurial skills and ability to contribute to national economic development”, said Vice Minister Portal.
She also emphasized that this project reaffirms that well-coordinated public policies can generate concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities, promoting employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable local development.
Juan Pablo Álvarez Enriquez, Regional Coordinator of the Migration Unit at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), highlighted that “El Salvador has decided to take an active role through the implementation of the National Reintegration Plan; the country welcomes, guides, and supports those who return, opening doors to training, employment, and opportunities.”
“This support, more than a social pact or humanitarian logic, has a development logic, because the country’s productivity also depends on knowing how to take advantage of the talents of the people who return, who have accumulated new ways of doing things and new ways of seeing the world”, he said.
Entrepreneur José Gabriel Cruz Chavarría highlighted that he is strengthening his business thanks to seed capital and the opportunity to be part of the Rincón Azul store in Cerro Verde, a project supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo (ISTU. “Now we will be able to generate more jobs and help more families. I hope these opportunities continue to open so we can continue strengthening our country and our brands”, he said.
Also participating in the event were ISTU Executive Director Jesús Benjamín Bran; the President of the Fondo Solidario para la Familia Microempresaria (FOSOFAMILIA), Patricia Carolina Guevara; government officials; and representatives from non-governmental organizations.
You can also read:
