Officials from El Salvador’s textile industry and representatives from the fashion sector convened in San Salvador recently to agree upon spaces for collaboration, spotlight national talent, and increase the presence of Salvadoran design in international markets with the goal of elevating both sectors’ economic contribution and long-term competitiveness. The meeting marks a convergence of interests between traditionally disconnected segments of the apparel value chain, highlighting the importance of tighter linkages between industry and creativity in driving innovation and reinforcing El Salvador’s competitive advantages as a source of apparel production within the Salvadoran textile and fashion sector.

CAMTEX – the Salvadoran Chamber of the Textile, Apparel, and Free Trade Zone Industry and the Haute Couture Institute hosted delegates from both industries for an event focused on aligning goals, promoting dialogue, and fostering concrete opportunities for creative-industrial alliances. By signaling greater interest in integration between these two poles of apparel production, designers will have the opportunity to work more closely with industry, while brands are encouraged to diversify production beyond maquila and into more complex, higher-value garments that strengthen the Salvadoran textile and fashion sector.

The dialogue “Connecting Industries: Salvadoran Innovation and Creativity” was held on January 29 at Haute Couture headquarters, gathering leaders from the textile sector, educators, fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and more to celebrate shared interests. The initiative stems from months of conversations led by El Salvador’s ambassador to Washington, Milena Mayorga, about projecting Salvadoran talent abroad as part of the country’s diplomatic strategy.

“The aim of this activity was to position national fashion as creative and innovative, generating spaces for contact between industry and designers to open concrete spaces for alliance,” organizers wrote in a statement. “We hope to increase opportunities for creators to position themselves in the local and international markets, retain talent, and generate production networks that respond to export demand while increasing the value of our products.”

Guests toured Haute Couture’s facilities and classrooms during the event, previewing a collection designed by students and learning about educational programs that currently run at the institute. With garments that played with textures, volume, and fabrics, students emphasized their creativity and willingness to experiment as representatives from industry arrived to tour the school and learn about designers on the ground. Instruction also focuses on detail, craftsmanship, and sustainable production methods – key elements sought by international buyers.

Dialogue was also prompted between creative sector representatives and industry officials in a facilitated networking session. During this time, guests discussed ways of coordinating creative processes with industry capacities, from access to inputs for production to capabilities for small orders, product quality, timeframes and challenges associated with scaling the production of designed items for export.

CAMTEX Executive Director Patricia Figueroa emphasized the importance of working together to enhance the Salvadoran fashion industry. According to the press release, CAMTEX strives to create “a strong national fashion industry that innovates and makes us known worldwide, built from our own talent.”

Likewise, Haute Couture’s mission was on display at the event, with representatives describing their institute as “a platform for learning and launching our national talent. We are constantly looking for ways to promote our talent and provide opportunities for our young graduates to enter the world of design, bringing Salvadoran creativity to the international scene.”

Mayorga has previously led similar efforts this year to convene representatives from CAMTEX, fashion brands, and other apparel-industry stakeholders to discuss coordinating efforts and driving exports of Salvadoran-made fashion abroad. The organizations noted their commitment to continue promoting events that convene both sectors while also exploring opportunities to mentor up-and-coming talent, creatives pursuing collaboration opportunities, and showcasing joint collections at international trade shows—initiatives expected to further consolidate the Salvadoran textile and fashion sector.

Textile Industry in El Salvador

Textiles and apparel represent some of El Salvador’s most important export products. The sector represents close to 35% of the country’s total exports by value while supporting approximately 73,603 direct jobs and another 200,000 indirect jobs. Representing around 43% of all employment in industry, textile production and assembly also continues to hold social relevance for the country.

The sector was historically based in assembly-style production for export, focused mainly on apparel manufacturing for international brands. Over time, these industries have added spinning, knitting, dyeing, and finishing capacities, along with logistics operations. Shorter lead times, full traceability of production, and compliance with internationally recognized labor and environmental standards allow El Salvador to differentiate itself from other regional and Asian suppliers.

Between 2015 and 2024, however, the sector experienced a contraction of 34% in export value. The factors affecting this decline were attributed to uncertainty in the international economy, inflation, and low purchasing power, impacting demand primarily in the United States, which receives around 80% of total Salvadoran production. Lower inventory levels and reduced consumer ordering abroad also affected exports.

Textile Industry in El Salvador

Analysts forecast an upturn for El Salvador’s textile industry starting in 2026. This recovery is expected to be supported by recent investments into the sector, reactivation of orders from abroad, and the potential elimination of tariffs on Salvadoran-made goods by way of an agreement with the United States. By leveling the trade playing field, El Salvador would further benefit from its proximity to the United States compared to other Latin American countries or Asia.

Last year, El Salvador ranked as the United States’ 18th-largest textile supplier by value. Total sales reached USD 2.09 billion in 2024, accounting for 32.4% of all exported textile and apparel products. Officials have stressed the need to diversify markets and expand the variety of goods sold abroad in order to insulate the sector from downturns in demand from a single buyer.

Salvadoran designers have also found ways to shine on the world stage. Designers were featured as part of New York City’s Latin Fashion Week earlier this year, promoting the use of natural fibers and native dyes such as indigo while celebrating Salvadoran artisan traditions and a commitment to sustainable production methods.

Textile Industry in El Salvador

Closer to home, local designers have found ways to showcase their talent while giving back to the community. In a rally aptly named Fashion for a Cause, the streets of San Salvador’s Historic District became a runway that connected designers from across the country – and globe – while also collecting donations for a local cause.

The importance of sustainable practices is driving change throughout the textile industry, from reduced water consumption and renewable energy usage to circular manufacturing models at industrial facilities. Designers, for their part, are exploring alternative materials by way of upcycling and responsible input selection. The alignment of industry and design will continue to satisfy demands from buyers abroad while allowing El Salvador to better position itself in high-value markets.

The Panamanian government held meetings with FONPLATA to finance social and infrastructure projects during the CAF forum

More than 20 multinational companies—including giants such as Pfizer, Google, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, AES Corporation, Siemens, and Cisco Systems—reiterated their interest in expanding and making new investments in Panama, within the framework of the 2026 International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, organized this week by CAF—the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—in Panama City.

The announcement came during a meeting between President José Raúl Mulino and senior executives from these companies, members of the Council of the Americas (AS/COA), a New York–based business organization that promotes economic development, market openness, and institutional strengthening in the Western Hemisphere.

At the meeting, the president emphasized that his administration has succeeded in creating a stable investment climate after putting public finances in order and strengthening fiscal discipline.

According to Mulino, this process has helped restore the confidence of international investors and laid more solid foundations for economic growth, creating favorable conditions for new investments in Panama.

“The country has begun to move forward on the right path, with order,” the president said, referring to the reforms promoted in administrative, financial, and transparency matters.

During the meeting, Mulino shared his government’s vision focused on efficient public spending, reducing the size of the state, and strengthening institutions.

He also expressed optimism about the impact of the public investment plan to be executed this year, aimed primarily at road infrastructure, health, and access to basic services such as drinking water.

Among the topics discussed were the stabilization of the pension system of the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social), the strengthening of the logistics and connectivity platform, and a commitment to educational reform to improve labor competitiveness and guarantee greater employment opportunities.

The president also highlighted investments promoted by the Panama Canal Authority in projects such as new ports, a gas pipeline, and a reservoir, designed to improve the operational efficiency of the interoceanic waterway and reinforce the country’s role as a regional logistics hub.

In the technology sphere, Mulino underscored that Panama seeks to position itself as an innovation hub by incorporating the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and developments linked to semiconductors into its training and productive development strategy, as part of a broader effort to attract new investments in Panama.

Representatives from companies such as Coca-Cola, Cisco Systems, Google, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Salesforce, Siemens Energy, The AES Corporation, InterEnergy, the International Air Transport Association, Grupo Cox Energy, Enfragen, and Macquarie Capital, among others, attended the meeting.

Business leaders thanked the government for the space for dialogue and praised the organization of the regional forum, noting that Panama is consolidating itself as a meeting point for economic and business discussion in Latin America.

Panama closed 2025 with a total of 188 companies established under the Multinational Headquarters (SEM) regime, consolidating its position as one of the region’s main corporate hubs for managing regional and global operations.

In addition, two companies are registered under the Multinational Manufacturing Companies (EMMA) regime, aimed at value-added productive activities.

The SEM regime is designed to attract headquarters, shared services centers, and administrative, financial, and logistics hubs of multinational companies through tax, immigration, and labor incentives.

These companies centralize functions from Panama, such as regional planning, technological support, treasury, procurement, marketing, and talent management, for their operations in Latin America and other markets.

For its part, the EMMA regime seeks to promote the installation of advanced manufacturing plants and specialized industrial processes, allowing multinationals to produce, assemble, or transform goods in Panamanian territory for export.

Both schemes are part of the country’s strategy to diversify its economy, generate skilled employment, and strengthen its position as a services and production platform in the region.

If the new investments materialize, the country could attract more foreign capital at a time when foreign direct investment (FDI) remains far below the best levels recorded before the pandemic. Currently, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica rank among the main recipients of FDI in the region, while Panama has fallen to fourth place, far from the top position it held years ago.

Meeting with FONPLATA

In parallel with the dialogue with the business sector, Mulino held a meeting with executives from FONPLATA – Development Bank, who expressed their interest in financing social and infrastructure projects in Panama.

The delegation was led by the institution’s Executive President, Luciana Botafogo, accompanied by the Vice President of Strategic Development, Viviana González; the Head of the Strategic Alliances Division, Leonardo Chagas; and advisor Carlos Melo.

FONPLATA is a multilateral financial institution made up of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, whose mandate is to finance medium- and small-scale projects aimed at promoting development, physical integration, and the reduction of inequality in the region.

During the meeting, Botafogo explained that the bank can support social works such as production roads, bridges, health centers, schools, and housing for low-income families, especially in areas with historical infrastructure deficits.

Mulino noted that one of his government’s priorities is addressing the needs of Indigenous regions, where significant gaps persist in basic services, connectivity, and access to critical infrastructure.

He also emphasized that the state has an outstanding debt in terms of sustained access to drinking water, which is why projects such as the Río Indio Multipurpose Reservoir are being promoted under the coordination of the Panama Canal Administration.

He indicated that these initiatives can be complemented by works developed through the National Council for Sustainable Development (Conades), which will also require external financing.

Regional Context

Both meetings took place in the context of the 2026 International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by CAF, which brought together heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and representatives of multilateral organizations in Panama.

The event served as a platform to promote investment and to debate regional integration, development financing, energy transition, technological innovation, and institutional strengthening.

EU announces credits to Honduras as international cooperation flourishes

Multilateral organizations, friendly nations, and trade partners immediately signaled support for newly inaugurated constitutional president Nasry Asfura. The regional and international support projected hopes that his government will continue putting forward its plans for cooperation, investment attraction, and institutional strengthening.

Messages sent by officials to Honduras on inauguration day pointed to the continuation of foreign relations with renewed impetus towards trade, investments, and productive alliances. The wave of international support sent positive signals of continuity and intensified cooperation that can positively impact the Honduran economy and its positioning in Central America and abroad.

European Union Cooperation with Honduras

European Union Ambassador to Honduras Gonzalo Fournier announced during inauguration day events that European cooperation will strengthen this year with the immediate opening of financing operations.

“In the coming weeks, we will have the first mega-credits that Honduras signs with Europe since 2009.” Fournier made it clear that European Union cooperation with Honduras is taking center stage this year during a series of meetings with President Asfura as soon as he takes office.

Credits totaling somewhere between €369 million and €500 million are being structured to finance electricity transmission projects and investments aimed at eliminating logistical bottlenecks suffered by Honduras for years. These mega credits will help lower production costs while increasing reliability throughout the Honduran productive sector.

Fournier also announced that a total of €60 million will be destined for sustainability-linked finances, while another €6 million investment will focus on supporting Honduran entrepreneurs, including the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises segment.

Political significance of credits to Honduras

The ambassador added that “what we are talking about with Honduras will make it the second country in Central America that receives the most financing from the European Union, only behind Panama.” Stressing that EU cooperation with Honduras is also signaling international confidence in Honduras’ institutions.

Trade Ties between Honduras and the European Union

Trade relations between Honduras and European Union nations will continue to be significant. “Europe is the destination of about 68% of Honduran coffee exports,” stated the European Union Ambassador, referring to one of Honduras’ principal exports.

Honduran coffee benefits more than 120,000 families spread throughout the Honduran countryside. European Union Ambassador Fournier also made sure to mention that Honduran coffee exports comply with European Union regulations prohibiting deforestation, allowing them to access the European market with a sustainability label.

Trade diversification talks ahead for Honduras and the EU

“We want it to be not just coffee, but other value-added products,” Fournier said listing examples such as animal and vegetable fats, processed agricultural goods, and textiles as products of interest. EU Ambassador Fournier said Honduras is ready to diversify exports and work towards less dependence on raw commodities.

Investment relations with the European Union

Commenting on investment trends, Ambassador Fournier said, “European investors are already here and have been for years.” He explained that 21% of foreign direct investment coming into Honduras comes from European companies.

European Union investment in Honduras stretches beyond purchasing goods from Honduran producers. Investors from EU countries are engaged in production, renewable energies, and services, providing much-needed jobs and know-how to help strengthen the Honduran economy. Infrastructure projects have also received European financing in years past.

SIECA presidency matters to European Union cooperation with Honduras

Europe congratulated Honduras on its pro tempore presidency of the Central American Integration System (Spanish acronym SIECA) and pledged cooperation in relevant areas. Ambassador Fournier said Europe will work alongside Honduras during its SIECA pro tempore presidency, strengthening customs integration projects, decreasing non-tariff barriers, and trade facilitation mechanisms.

Europe is coming to Honduras February 2-4, and Honduras is heading to EU next month

“I want to announce that the European Union Directorate-General for Trade will visit our country from February 2 to 4,” Ambassador Fournier confirmed. He also announced that Honduras has been invited to the European Union–Central America Investment Forum to be hosted in Panama next month.

“I know that the minister responsible for commerce will count on European investors.” European Union Ambassador Fournier finished speaking on the topic of future visits between Honduras and Europe, signaling continuous exchanges in the months to come.

Supportive Message Sent by US Officials

During the inauguration ceremonies, Asfura was also greeted by the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy to Honduras, Colleen A. Hoey. She took the opportunity to deliver a strong message of support through embassy social media channels.

“Today is the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Honduras,” wrote Chargé Hoey. She went on to highlight security cooperation, economic opportunities, and strengthening bilateral relations as goals to work towards together.

Republican US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar sent a congratulatory message saying that “today is a new dawn not just for Honduras, but for all of the Western Hemisphere.” She continued writing that she hopes Asfura will focus efforts on promoting democratic institutions while building a stronger bilateral alliance with the United States.

United Nations Sends Support

“United Nations agencies congratulate President Nasry Asfura Jiménez on his inauguration as President of Honduras,” began a joint statement from the United Nations signifying multilateral support for the president.

“The United Nations in Honduras stands ready to continue working with the Government and people of Honduras to advance its development priorities and improve the lives of all Hondurans.” UN Resident Coordinator Alejandro Álvarez emphasized continued UN support for Honduras.

Argentina, which has suffered chronic dollar shortages in recent years and limited access to foreign financing, has officially legalized the program for obtaining nationality through the Argentine Citizenship by Investment Program, as set out in Decree 524/2025. The decree aims to channel foreign savings into productive investment projects and offers investors nationality through the aforementioned investment program. The program itself, however, has yet to be launched pending publication of further implementing regulations establishing minimum investment amounts and granting benefits only for those made in “productive projects”.

In Argentina, Investors Can Obtain Citizenship

Through the program, not yet announced but already regulated by law, foreigners who make certain investments in Argentina will be eligible for Argentine citizenship, becoming the country’s first Argentine citizenship by investment program (similar citizenship-by-investment programs have been reported in other countries in recent years).

The stated goal is that said investments are intended to support long-term productive projects generating jobs and promoting regional development, contributing to Argentina’s export capacity. Although the precise amounts have yet to be announced, officials have said they are working on “a balance so that they are competitive but not insignificant.”

Citizenship-by-investment programs, however, are nothing new: Currently more than 80 countries around the world offer some type of investment-linked residency or citizenship program. In recent decades, citizenship by investment has poured billions of dollars into the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Europe has also seen a boom in investor migration with Portugal, Malta and Hungary using investment-linked migration to drive investment. Some of these programs have come under pressure lately, leading some countries to tighten rules or suspend them altogether due to national security concerns.

Argentina Creates Agency to Administer Citizenship-by-Investment Programs

Decree 524/2025 provides for the creation of the Agency for Citizenship-by-Investment Programs which would be responsible for receiving applications for investments and projects associated with this type of program; analyzing and approving said projects by publishing them on the Agency’s website, and through technical teams assigned for this purpose; articulating and coordinating with the corresponding agencies of the Nation when required; monitoring compliance with agreements reached with investors; and developing other actions derived from its powers or those that are necessary for the fulfillment of its objectives.

The proposal would now require projects approved by the Agency for Citizenship-by-Investment Programs to be finally approved by the National Directorate of Migration and the corresponding Units of Financial Information of the Government of the Nation.

Argentine Citizenship by Investment

Furthermore, Decree 524/2025 stipulates that, although the citizenship-by-investment framework has been enacted, the program cannot yet be activated. Important aspects such as the investment required to obtain Argentine nationality through investment, designation of the so-called “strategic sectors”, among others, have not yet been released. To fill these gaps, the Argentine Government launched an international call for bids to select a company to provide technical consulting services related to the “study and implementation of citizenship programs by investment”.

It is estimated that the program would exceed USD $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment if implemented in its initial stages, attracting approximately 5,000 families that comply with the program’s requirements. This would represent an influx of foreign currency into Argentina and help boost the country’s reserves. Officials have said that they hope that capital will be placed in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and technology.

Areas like Infrastructure, Energy, Agriculture, and Technology Seek Investments

Argentina’s energy sector is the obvious candidate for investment. The nation is endowed with vast unconventional hydrocarbon reserves and now ranks seventh in the world in terms of shale oil and fifth in shale gas. Argentina needs investment if it wants to become a leader in energy production. Projects related to infrastructure would also be highly relevant, including transport infrastructure, logistics centers, construction projects, and even urban development projects that could help provide jobs and address inequality. When it comes to technology, many hope that those who participate in the program can help develop software and other knowledge-intensive services that Argentina is well-positioned to provide.

Countries worldwide offer residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment programs to attract foreign capital. Brazil and Chile, neighbors of Argentina, offer investment-linked visas that grant residence in their respective countries but do not lead to immediate citizenship. Countries like these, which many view to have clearer rule of law, will make competition for Argentina challenging. Argentina will need to price its program correctly and ensure foreign investors that their investments will be safe should they take the plunge and participate. These types of programs have also come under scrutiny for lack of transparency in recent years. Institutions will need to work hand-in-hand to ensure that Argentina does not fall into similar situations that have been seen in other jurisdictions.

The Venezuelan government projects oil investments to grow by 55% in 2026 as it reformulates the Hydrocarbons Law to open up the sector to private investments, marking a potential turning point for Venezuelan oil investment after years of decline and state dominance.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela expects “some $1.4 billion in investments” in its oil sector for the year, compared to $900 million invested last year. This is part of a strategy to grow hydrocarbon production and court private investors.

“We have faced difficulties given the aggression … But we are reactivating projects. Venezuela produces what it needs to,” Rodríguez said.

Rodríguez’s administration has taken steps in recent months to open Venezuela’s oil industry to private domestic and foreign firms, framing the legal overhaul as essential to restoring confidence and unlocking new Venezuelan oil investment flows.

Long one of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ largest oil producers by reserves, Venezuela’s oil production fell steadily for years as Presidents Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro increased state control of the industry and squeezed out independent operators.

OPEC member Venezuela pumps less than 1 million barrels per day of crude oil this year after hitting highs of more than 3 million barrels per day in the mid-2000s. To increase output, Venezuela will have to reverse years of economic stagnation and policies that disincentivized foreign investment.

Rodríguez said that Venezuela would grow oil production via reforming the Hydrocarbons Law to allow contracts based on productive participation with private firms, both domestic and foreign, a mechanism officials see as central to rebuilding Venezuelan oil investment momentum.

Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Reform: What to Know

The National Assembly-approved Hydrocarbons Law reform bill is meant to make Venezuela attractive to foreign and private investment while maintaining state control of the sector.

It passed its first debate and is awaiting ratification later this month or in early May. According to the law, companies operating in Venezuela would be able to:

Operate Independently

Contractors operating in Venezuela would gain autonomy to operate as they see fit instead of going through cumbersome — and sometimes politically motivated — processes overseen by state oil firm Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).

Focus on Production

Companies would focus on producing oil rather than obtaining rights to operate on the territory. Results are handed over to the state.

Commercial autonomy

Legal protections for companies would allow firms some certainty that their investments would not be stripped away by changes in Venezuelan policy. It would also allow companies to seek international arbitration for contracts, a point that was forbidden under Venezuela’s previous, more rigid hydrocarbons policy.

Become Part of the Global Market

The law also permits contractors to sell oil on the global market, something Venezuela previously only allowed through PDVSA.

The reform would guarantee productive participation contracts (CPPs), which were initially issued via executive order under former President Maduro’s Anti-Blockade Law in 2020 to bypass U.S. sanctions.

Rodríguez touted productive participation contracts as a way to attract investors to help Venezuela both increase output and sell oil abroad to help stabilize the domestic economy and currency.

“We need capital to develop productive participation contracts … we have signed contracts for the supply of dollars that will allow us to guarantee workers’ salaries,” Rodríguez said.

Chevron has said it would welcome deeper ties with Venezuela’s oil industry, while other firms could provide technology that can increase output and competitiveness. In other words, reforms to Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Law are designed to open the country up for investment.

United States Factor

Oil prices surged this week after U.S. and Venezuelan officials announced a bilateral deal for the sale of Venezuelan oil to the United States, along with discussions about allowing Chevron to invest in oil projects in Venezuela, developments that could significantly accelerate Venezuelan oil investment if sanctions relief proves durable.

Bloomberg reported recently that U.S. officials were willing to involve American energy companies in Venezuela’s comeback story.

Washington’s approval of Venezuelan oil exports is the carrot that Venezuelan officials are hoping will unlock billions in much-needed investment in the country. However, lawmakers and energy analysts have warned that companies will be wary of sending capital to Venezuela without clear rules that protect their investment. The reforms in the Hydrocarbons Law would go some way to offering that reassurance.

Oil Investment Still Faces Hurdles

Opposition lawmakers, energy analysts, and legal experts have criticized the accelerated timeline of Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Law reform. They argue that the government is pushing through legislation that may contradict the Venezuelan constitution.

The speed of the bill’s approval could open it up to legal challenges that stall reforms needed to attract capital. Chevron and other companies have the technical ability and personnel to help Venezuela jump-start oil output, but may be deterred if capital is at risk of nationalization.

Rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector is also expected to take significant investment, perhaps tens of billions of dollars. It will also take time to reverse damage from years of underinvestment, limited technology, and a shortage of experienced personnel to restart wells, expand capacity, and restore long-term investor confidence.