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The Government of El Salvador, through the Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal, recently inaugurated the Investment Attraction Forum in Canada and presented the first Directory of Salvadoran Entrepreneurs in that country. This event aims to promote businesses of the salvadoran diaspora, strengthening both the bond between compatriots and their impact on the local economy.
In her words, the official highlighted the relevance of this directory, which already has 23 editions worldwide, as a key resource for the recognition and development of salvadoran entrepreneurship abroad.
Canada, according to the Digital Observatory on Human Mobility, is home to some 49,445 salvadorans, although it is estimated that the total community, including second and third generations, reaches 100,000 salvadorans. In this context, 140 salvadoran entrepreneurs have been identified who have started their businesses in the North American country, consolidating themselves as an entrepreneurial and resilient community.
To support these businesses, the Department of Investments and Business with the Diaspora has formulated specific projects, with the Entrepreneurs Directory being one of the most notable. This aims to facilitate visibility and connection between businesses in the salvadoran diaspora, promoting their integration and success within the local community and among compatriots.
In addition, Vice Minister Portal announced the launch of the “Entrepreneur of the Week,” an initiative in which the Consulates of El Salvador in Canada provide a space for entrepreneurs to offer their products. This program seeks to give them greater exposure and facilitate their access to potential clients. Given the acceptance of these initiatives, the salvadoran Government has planned to expand the entrepreneur fairs in 2024, connecting salvadorans around the world. This measure, indicated the Vice Minister, will allow the establishment of commercial networks that will boost the economic growth of the diaspora.
During the event, an investment forum was also held, in which the Investment and Export Agency of El Salvador and other actors interested in learning about business opportunities in the country participated. This space served as a networking bridge for investors and entrepreneurs from the diaspora in Canada. In addition, she highlighted that since 2022, the diaspora around the world has invested in El Salvador more than US$66 million in different areas such as real estate, tourism, agribusiness, trade, the financial sector, industry and services.
Vice Minister Portal urged salvadorans interested in marketing products from their land to take advantage of these opportunities, encouraging them to become ambassadors of salvadoran identity and culture. “We invite all compatriots to explore investment opportunities and strengthen our presence abroad”, she concluded.
