AGP Executive Report

Logistics Boost for El Salvador: Global shipping giant Ocean Network Express (ONE) has returned to El Salvador, restarting a weekly Los Angeles–Acajutla route tied to port modernization under the UPDP partnership, with refrigerated-cargo capability highlighted for food supply chains. Salvadoran Brand Goes Global: Kolashanpan, one of El Salvador’s most iconic soft drinks, is now available on Amazon in the United States, giving Salvadorans abroad easier access and expanding the country’s food-and-beverage visibility. Crypto Market Infrastructure Watch: Bitget Wallet flagged a costly onchain execution gap as trade sizes grow, arguing that routing quality matters more than liquidity access—an issue for large stablecoin swaps. Regional Politics With Business Impact: Colombia’s presidential runoff is tilting sharply right after Abelardo de la Espriella’s narrow win over Iván Cepeda, with investors watching potential shifts in security and energy policy.

Colombia Election & Markets: US-backed hard-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff, with preliminary results showing 49.65% vs. Iván Cepeda’s 48.7% and a margin under 248,000 votes, triggering immediate legal challenges as Petro and Cepeda dispute the quick count; Energy & Investment Outlook: traders reacted fast—Colombian bonds and the COLCAP jumped, with analysts pointing to expectations of lower taxes, tougher crime policy, and renewed oil investment; Crypto & Payments (El Salvador link): Bitget Wallet was featured in a Block Scholes benchmark report on onchain execution quality, arguing that as stablecoin volumes grow, routing infrastructure—not just liquidity access—drives cost outcomes, with a case study claiming improved execution value on large stablecoin swaps; Mining (regional business): Norfolk Metals advanced its Chile copper project by converting the Ciclón acquisition to a JORC-compliant 11.8Mt resource at 2.88% copper equivalent, reducing deal risk and strengthening development credentials.

Colombia Political Shift: Pro-Trump nationalist lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff over Iván Cepeda in preliminary results (about 49.65% vs 48.7%), setting up a likely hardline security and market-friendly agenda after four years of Gustavo Petro’s leftist rule. Regional Security & Policy Watch: Multiple reports highlight the tight margin and legal challenges, with both sides disputing whether the result is final—an outcome that could reshape regional approaches to crime, armed groups, and state power. Mining & Commodities: Norfolk Metals advanced its Chile copper plans after securing a JORC-compliant 11.8 Mt resource at 2.88% copper equivalent for its Ciclón project, reducing deal risk and strengthening development credentials. Textiles & Manufacturing: Youngone Corporation said it plans to expand its textile and apparel value chain in Uzbekistan, while noting major production bases that include El Salvador—signaling continued regional sourcing and apparel capacity growth. Tourism Growth: El Salvador’s cruise sector surged in 2025, with arrivals up about 600% year-on-year, bringing 7 liners and 8,506 passengers, as the country deepens its regional tourism push. Tourism & Events: El Salvador also wrapped the Beloved Wedding Summit 2026, drawing 100+ international wedding planners and reinforcing the country’s push to market venues for global romance tourism.

Tourism Boom: El Salvador’s cruise sector kept surging, with 2025 arrivals jumping about 600% year-on-year to 7 liners and 8,506 passengers, as winter itineraries boosted excursions to sites like Joya de Cerén and Cerro Verde. Event Tourism: The Beloved Wedding Summit 2026 wrapped up with 100+ international wedding planners visiting beach, mountain, and city venues, with officials pitching El Salvador as a secure, high-end romance destination. Agribusiness & Local Tourism: The 8th Peach Festival opened in Río Chiquito, Chalatenango, spotlighting peach and strawberry farm tours and peach-based foods and drinks, with municipal and sponsor support drawing visitors to the northern highlands. Manufacturing & Trade Links: Youngone Corporation says it will deepen its textile and apparel value chain in Uzbekistan, listing El Salvador among its major production bases. Nuclear Planning: An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission in El Salvador found progress toward the legal, regulatory, and safety framework needed for any future nuclear power decision. Food Security Watch: FAO and WFP launched a US$202m anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8m people across 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-driven shocks. Sports Note: FIFA World Cup coverage included El Salvador referee Ivan Barton officiating a Türkiye vs. Paraguay match.

Agriculture & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a US$202M joint appeal to protect nearly 9 million people across 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-linked shocks, warning of disrupted planting, harvests, and water supplies. Tourism Growth: El Salvador’s cruise sector kept surging, with 2025 arrivals up about 600% (7 liners, 8,506 passengers), as winter travelers boosted excursions to historic and volcanic sites. Event Tourism: El Salvador wrapped the Beloved Wedding Summit 2026, bringing 100+ international wedding planners to showcase venues across beach, mountain, and city settings. Local Business & Community: The 8th Peach Festival opened in Chalatenango’s Río Chiquito, drawing farm tours and peach-based foods and drinks that route spending to local producers and tourism operators. Security & Policy Spotlight: French MEP Jordan Bardella praised El Salvador’s rapid prison expansion and security push as a model of decisive implementation. Energy & Infrastructure: An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission assessed El Salvador’s readiness for a future nuclear power program, citing progress in legal, regulatory, and emergency planning. Surveillance Exports Watch: Human Rights Watch reported Bulgaria licensed Circles surveillance tech to repressive states, including El Salvador, raising new scrutiny for export controls.

El Salvador Tourism & Events: El Salvador’s cruise tourism surged 600% in 2025, with seven cruise liners bringing 8,506 passengers, as the sector rebounds after a weak 2024. The country also wrapped up the Beloved Wedding Summit 2026, drawing 100+ international wedding planners and pitching El Salvador’s venues across beaches, mountains, and cities. Public Sector & Infrastructure: Mayor Edgar S. Lignes attended the inauguration of the OPAMC office in El Salvador City, aiming to strengthen coordination for development priorities in Northern Mindanao. Energy & Industry Planning: An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for El Salvador assessed progress toward a future nuclear power program, including recommendations on security, legal frameworks, emergency preparedness, and safeguards. Agriculture & Climate Risk: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for US$202 million to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 high-risk countries from potential El Niño impacts on food security and farming. Digital Payments: Bitget Wallet expanded beyond stablecoins, enabling card top-ups and QR payments with regional stablecoins and a wider set of tokens across 50+ markets. Security Policy Watch: A report by Human Rights Watch alleges Bulgaria licensed surveillance exports tied to Circles (NSO Group affiliate) to repression-prone countries, including El Salvador, raising questions about EU export controls.

El Salvador Tourism Boom: El Salvador’s cruise sector surged in 2025, with arrivals up about 600% year-on-year as seven liners brought 8,506 passengers, signaling a fast rebound for the destination. Wedding Tourism Push: The Beloved Wedding Summit 2026 wrapped up with 100+ international wedding planners touring El Salvador’s venues across beach, mountain, and city settings, as officials pitch the country as a secure, high-end events hub. Security Model Export: A French MEP, Jordan Bardella, pointed to El Salvador’s rapid prison expansion as proof that decisive political will can quickly tackle overcrowding and organized crime. Nuclear Planning Check: An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission assessed El Salvador’s readiness for a potential nuclear power program, highlighting progress and recommending next steps on legal, regulatory, security, and emergency preparedness. Crypto Payments in El Salvador: Bitget Wallet expanded card top-ups and QR payments beyond stablecoins across 50+ markets, aiming to route regional stablecoins and other onchain assets for everyday spending. El Niño Risk for Agriculture: FAO and WFP launched a $202m anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries, including El Salvador, from drought, floods, and storms tied to El Niño. Surveillance Export Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch says Bulgaria licensed a surveillance firm tied to NSO to export phone-tracking and interception tools to repressive states, including El Salvador—raising new questions about EU export controls.

El Niño Preparedness: The UN’s FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202 million to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including El Salvador, from drought, floods, and storms tied to a strengthening El Niño through 2026–2027. Security & Prisons (Regional Influence): France’s MEP Jordan Bardella praised El Salvador’s security model and rapid prison expansion, pointing to it as a template for tackling overcrowding and organized crime. Nuclear Planning (Energy): An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission reviewed El Salvador’s readiness for a potential nuclear power program, highlighting progress and recommending steps on nuclear security, legal frameworks, emergency preparedness, and safeguards. Crypto Payments (Fintech): Bitget Wallet expanded real-world spending by routing regional stablecoins and ecosystem tokens into card and QR payments across 50+ markets, with plans to add thousands more assets. Surveillance Exports (Governance Risk): Human Rights Watch says Bulgaria licensed a surveillance firm linked to NSO/Circles to export phone-tracking and interception tools to repressive regimes, including El Salvador, raising fresh questions about EU export controls.

El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for US$202 million to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including El Salvador, warning of drought, floods and storms that could disrupt planting and harvests through 2026–2027. Regional Coordination for Agriculture: A Mexico meeting brought together regional institutions and El Salvador’s CENTA to strengthen early warning systems and early response plans for possible El Niño impacts on rainfed farming and food security. Security Model Export Talk: A French MEP, Jordan Bardella, praised El Salvador’s rapid prison expansion and security approach, highlighting how fast implementation can tackle overcrowding and organized crime. Crypto Payments in El Salvador: Bitget Wallet expanded payments beyond stablecoins, enabling card top-ups and QR payments across 50+ markets and initially supporting 40+ tokens, with plans for thousands more—relevant for El Salvador’s growing digital payments ecosystem. Surveillance Tech Scrutiny: A Human Rights Watch report says a Bulgarian firm’s surveillance exports were licensed to repression-prone countries, including El Salvador, raising fresh questions about EU export controls. Prison-Style Policy Inspiration Abroad: Brazil’s Flávio Bolsonaro floated “Bukele-style” maximum-security prisons and chemical castration, signaling continued regional interest in El Salvador’s hardline security blueprint.

Crypto Payments: Bitget Wallet says it’s expanding real-world spending by routing not just stablecoins but also ecosystem tokens and memecoins through card top-ups and QR payments across 50+ markets, with support for 40+ tokens now and “thousands” planned. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a $202m El Niño anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including El Salvador, with cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection and flood control. Construction & Procurement: Spain’s justice ministry published a second tender for the Valladolid Justice City at €49.98m (up from the first €42.07m bid), keeping a 30-month execution timeline; bids close July 20. Energy/Agri Resilience: A report highlights El Salvador’s Bakery 01_2 shifting to a wood-fired oven amid fuel shortages, relying on manual labor and tighter logistics to keep bread output steady. Regional Trade & Industry: El Salvador’s economy and investment outlook continues to draw attention, including coverage of tourism momentum and infrastructure spending trends.

Tourism Surge: El Salvador hit 50% of its 2026 tourism target in just five months, drawing 2.1 million international visitors (Jan–May), supporting 57,000 formal jobs and adding over 10% to GDP. Construction & Trade: The country’s construction boom is lifting demand for furniture and boosting regional hotel exports, while El Salvador also expanded its global trade footprint at the India-Latin America Business Forum 2026. Business & Exports: Mizata Vodka is pushing into the Netherlands’ premium spirits market, and El Salvador is positioning itself as a gateway for new trade corridors and supply-chain diversification. Regional Deals: The 17th IIICF in Macao concluded with $9.9 billion in agreements, including deals involving El Salvador. Tech/Services: RSM is expanding its transatlantic partnership by adding RSM Mexico, with integrated teams supported by India and El Salvador. Energy/Industry Resilience: A bakery in El Salvador’s Guantánamo area shifted to wood-fired baking amid fuel shortages, relying on manual labor and tighter logistics to keep output steady.

Tourism Surge: El Salvador hit 50% of its 2026 tourism target in just five months, drawing 2.1 million international visitors (Jan–May), supporting 57,000 formal jobs and adding over 10% to GDP. Construction & Real Estate Spillover: A construction boom is reshaping demand, with furniture sales up more than 20% as housing and apartment projects multiply. Export Push: Mizata Vodka is moving into the Netherlands’ premium spirits market, seeking distributor partnerships to expand El Salvador’s high-value exports. Business Expansion & Services: RSM is expanding its transatlantic partnership by adding RSM Mexico, with integrated teams that include El Salvador, aiming to grow a platform of 25,000+ professionals. Energy & Food Supply Strain: Bakery 01_2 in El Salvador is adapting to fuel shortages by relying on a wood-fired oven only, increasing labor and complicating firewood sourcing. Agriculture Health Watch: New World screwworm outbreaks in the U.S. are prompting stricter animal movement rules and farm vigilance, a reminder for regional livestock protection.

Tourism Surge: El Salvador hit 50% of its 2026 tourism target in just five months, welcoming 2.1 million international visitors (Jan–May), boosting formal jobs and contributing over 10% to GDP. Export & Investment Push: Mizata Vodka is moving into the Netherlands’ premium spirits market, using a trade-focused event to line up distribution and hospitality partners. Construction & Manufacturing Demand: El Salvador’s construction boom is lifting furniture demand, with local producer Indufoam expanding into luxury hotel supply chains. Global Trade Networking: El Salvador expanded its trade footprint at the India-Latin America Business Forum 2026, pitching FTAs and logistics advantages to manufacturers and investors. Energy/Operations Reality Check: Bakery 01_2 in Guantánamo is adapting to fuel shortages by switching to a wood-fired oven, raising labor strain while keeping output. Infrastructure & Logistics Reform: Postmaster General Algernon Gomes says postal and customs updates aim to cut delays by tightening HS/value data requirements and pre-arrival transmissions. Regional Business Deals: The 17th IIICF in Macao delivered 21 agreements worth $9.9B, including deals involving El Salvador across transport, construction, energy, mining and metallurgy.

Tourism Surge: El Salvador welcomed 2.1 million international visitors in Jan–May 2026, hitting 50% of its 4.2 million annual target in just five months, with tourism now supporting 57,000 formal jobs and over 10% of GDP. Global Trade & Infrastructure: At the 17th IIICF in Macao, 21 cooperation deals worth US$9.9 billion were signed across transport, construction, energy, mining and metallurgy, including agreements involving El Salvador. Premium Exports: Mizata Vodka is pushing into the Netherlands, pitching its super-premium product to Dutch distributors and hospitality partners as part of El Salvador’s higher-value export push. Business Services Expansion: RSM says it will add RSM Mexico to its transatlantic partnership, with integrated teams in El Salvador and India, expanding coverage across the US, Canada, Ireland, Mexico and the UK. Construction & Consumer Demand: El Salvador’s construction boom is lifting furniture demand, with Indufoam reporting strong growth tied to new housing and apartment development. Healthcare Link: Cleveland Clinic added an in-country El Salvador representative to help patients navigate appointments and care across its global network. Logistics Operations: El Salvador’s postal and customs reform plans target faster parcel clearance by tightening advance data requirements and training counter staff.

Infrastructure Push: El Salvador is accelerating public investment, executing $555.67M in capital in the first four months of 2026 (+32.08% y/y), with the active portfolio now above $2.735B (about 7.1% of GDP) as the government keeps projects moving through bidding and advanced admin steps. Growth Outlook: The World Bank raised El Salvador’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.2%, while neighbors were mostly marked down, and new data shows 4.81% y/y growth in March driven by professional/financial services and commerce. Innovation & Tech: TH3Labs is positioning itself as a Salvadoran tech lab for AI, blockchain tokenization and compliance, leveraging the country’s innovation incentives to serve regional and global clients. Trade & Logistics: The airport launched an official WhatsApp help line (+503 7070 8312) to speed traveler support, while the postal authority says customs delays often stem from incomplete shipment data and plans stricter HS/value declarations and pre-arrival transmission. Agriculture Link: Egypt opened new export markets including El Salvador, citing expanded quarantine and inspection capacity.

Economic Outlook Boost: The World Bank raised El Salvador’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.2%, up from January, while downgrading most regional neighbors—signaling resilience despite global risks. Infrastructure Push: Public investment hit a six-year high, with the government executing about $555.7M in capital in the first four months of 2026 and expanding an active portfolio worth over $2.7B. Growth Momentum: El Salvador’s economy grew 4.81% year-over-year in March 2026, led by professional and financial services, commerce and tourism-related activity. Innovation & Tech: TH3Labs is positioning itself as a Salvadoran tech laboratory for applied AI, blockchain tokenization, cybersecurity, and enterprise software—built around the country’s innovation incentives. Travel & Logistics Convenience: El Salvador International Airport launched an official WhatsApp help line (+503 7070 8312) to speed up passenger support on services, lost items, and itineraries. Agriculture & Food Security Watch: El Niño is back, with Central America’s “Dry Corridor” including El Salvador facing drought and food-price concerns. Energy & Trade Link: The airport and broader business environment are also moving alongside regional infrastructure and energy cooperation deals, including El Salvador-linked agreements at an international construction and investment forum.