A. M. 
The executive director of the Centro Nacional de Registros (CNR), Camilo Trigueros, highlighted the progress made following the reform of the Commercial Code, which allowed for the creation of Sociedades por Acciones Simplificadas (SAS), a model that has transformed the business incorporation process in the country.
Trigueros noted that of the 6,100 companies recently created, 35% were registered electronically, reflecting a significant shift in the modernization of procedures and the adoption of digital tools. In addition, 12,000 trademark applications have been filed, now more accessible thanks to the new Intellectual Property Law, which allows for the signing of forms using Digital Identity, a state mechanism that verifies a citizen’s identity through their DUI.
The official emphasized that these streamlined processes have allowed thousands of businesses to be established quickly and easily. “Before, you needed a notary, US$2,000 in capital, a partner, and a week’s wait. Now, behind these new companies, there is more than US$13 million in seed capital that is already boosting the economy”, he said.
Trigueros also explained that the goal is for the incorporation process to be completed in less than six hours, which has made the country a regional leader. In recognition of these advances, the Adam Smith Institute at the University of Florida ranked El Salvador as the fifth easiest country in Latin America to start a business, and the first in Central America, an achievement that was even highlighted by Bloomberg magazine.
Regarding business activity, the director of CNR confirmed that 6,000 new companies were registered last year, while this year is projected to close with more than 7,700. The majority will be SAS, although increases in the creation of corporations and sole proprietorships are also reported. Trigueros attributed this growth to confidence in the climate of security, stability, and the economic vision promoted by the government.
The CNR has also strengthened its digital service offerings. Currently, it offers more than 400 services, 300 of which can be completed in a single day thanks to the use of technology. Among the most in-demand procedures already available online are abridged and full certifications, which can now be requested quickly from any electronic device.
These advances consolidate the country’s administrative modernization process and create a more favorable environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and national economic development.
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