In El Salvador, the industrialists' guild asked the Legislative Assembly to be taken into account in the discussion on the prohibition of plastic in the country, since they believe it is convenient to regulate its use, but not to restrict it.
After in October 2018, a bill was presented to the Legislative Assembly (still under discussion) that establishes a one-year deadline for companies to replace the use of plastic bags by articles of other materials, directors of the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI), ask to be taken into account in the process.
On April 28, a ban on the import and marketing of high-sulphur diesel began in El Salvador.
At the end of November 2018, the Legislative Assembly approved a ban on the import and commercialization of fuels with a high sulfur content, mainly diesel for vehicular use, which must be applied in its entirety based on the resolution of the Council of the Minister of Economic Integration of Central America (COMIECO), where a commitment is signed to import and commercialize only fuels with a low sulfur content.
The proposed law presented in the Legislative Assembly establishes a period of one year for companies to replace the use of plastic bags with articles of other materials.
The proposal to replace in the country the use of plastic bags made of polyethylene or conventional plastic with articles made of other materials, was presented by Representative Milena Mayorga from the party Arena.
In El Salvador, a constitutional reform has been proposed to eliminate the limit of 245 hectares of rustic land that currently, at most, a natural or legal person can possess.
Deputies from the ARENA, GANA and PDC parties presented to the Legislative Assembly a draft agreement to amend Article 105 of the Political Constitution, which prevents natural or legal persons from possessing more than 245 hectares of rustic land.
The Ministry of Agriculture foresees having the resources available in April, once the Legislature approves the disbursement by the BCIE.
A new government attempt to renovate coffee plantations gained momentum in December last year, after the Legislative Assembly approved areform to the Law to Create the Coffee Production Support Trust, to facilitate access to financing for coffee growers.
Despite a reduction in the budget, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock plans to allocate $16.2 million to the purchase of agricultural products.
With the budget cut to be approved by the Legislative Assembly, the funds that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will have available to tender agricultural packages will be $16.2 million, $1 million less than in 2016.
In order for Pacific Energy to start building the natural gas plant at Acajutla port, El Salvador, the Congress must approve a concession law designed specifically for that project.
The concession granted to Energía del Pacifico (EDP) to supply 355 MW of energy generated from natural gas must first have its own concession law, which must be approved by the Legislative Assembly.
Standard & Poor's has lowered its debt rating to SD after the Legislative Assembly approved a pension reform which includes a restructuring of government debt.
From a statement issued by Standard & Poor´s:
El Salvador's Congress approved amendments to the terms of its Certificates for Pension Investments (CIPs).
Based on our criteria, we consider this change in the original terms to be a default.
The business sector has applauded the approval of a reform to the Customs Simplification Law, which is expected to achieve the much needed speed in foreign trade procedures.
From a statement issued by the Inter-Trade Commission for Trade Facilitation (CIFACIL):
April 17, 2017.The Inter-Trade Commission for Trade Facilitation (CIFACIL), wishes to express its satisfaction with the approval of the reforms to the Customs Simplification Law.The Legislative Assembly approved this initiative with 43 votes from the parties GANA, ARENA, PCN and PDC, which represents a great step forward to improving and facilitating foreign trade which has been severely affected in recent years.
Allowing up to 30% of pension fund portfolios to invest in foreign securities is one of the changes included in the law reform bill proposed by the private sector.
The Citizens' Initiative for Pensions (ICP) introduced a draft amendment to the Law on Savings System for Pensions and other related laws, such as the pension obligations trust (FOP by its initials in Spanish) to the Assembly.
Companies that hire people aged between 18 and 29 years will be able to deduct from income tax between 3 and 5 minimum wages, depending on the number of young people they hire.
With the amendment to the Incentive Law for the Creation of First Employment for Young People in the Private Sector, adopted by the Assembly, tax exemptions are established for businesses that hire young people aged between 18 and 29.
The union of private companies has filed suit citing unconstitutionality against the law authorizing the state to use the savings of contributors to pay debts.
The National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP) filed with the Supreme Court (CSJ) a claim of unconstitutionality against thelaw recently approved by the Assembly.
Despite the rising fiscal deficit, the Legislature has approved a new debt issue of $152 million to finance the construction of prisons and strengthen the fight against crime.
From a statement issued by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
After continuous meetings and bilateral approaches, the Legislature unanimously authorized the Executive Body to issue Credit Securities, worth up to $152 million, which will be used to meet the full funding that is required for the timely implementation of extraordinary measures for public safety, -the same execution which began just over a month ago and whose results are palpable in terms of reducing homicide and extortion -, and other activities related thereto.
The Legislature has passed a legal reform to approve a $57 fine to cargo carriers moving in restricted places and times.
From a statement issued by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
The Legislature has approved with 67 votes, amendments to the Law on Land Transport, Traffic and Road Safety, which will support the traffic agents of the National Civil Police, who may impose a fine of $57.14, on carriers moving cargo in restricted places and times, which will help to regulate vehicular traffic in specific times and places.