In a context of slowdown in industrial activity and loss of jobs, the industrialists' union of El Salvador calls for a policy of attracting investment through incentives and reviewing and taking advantage of existing trade agreements.
El Salvador's industrial sector registered a 0.9% growth in the first half of 2019, two percentage points less than last year during the same period, a fact that shows that economic growth in El Salvador remains slow and low, remaining at 2%, reported the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI).
In the first quarter of 2018, the manufacturing and services sectors recorded falls of 4,000 and 7,000, respectively, in the monthly average number of affiliates to the social insurance scheme compared to 2017.
One example of the contraction observed in industrial activity is what occured in free zones.The Association of Private Free Zones of Guatemala explained that due to the closure of more than one hundred companies, some 1,500 jobs have been lost.
Improving performance using new sources of renewable energy and the manufacturing, food and agroindustry sectors is one of the objectives of the strategic plan put forward by industrial entrepreneurs in the region.
The Board of Directors of the Federation of Chambers and Industrial Associations of Central America and the Dominican Republic (Fecaica), presented its strategic plan for the 2018-2023 quinquennium, which considers the issues which the region should focus on in order for the industrial sector to grow.
While one candidate is willing to review the limits on private electricity cogeneration, and raise them from 15% to 30%, the other rejects the possibility of extracting natural gas due to its environmental implications.
In a meeting with companies in the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (ICRC), the two candidates who will go head to head in a second round of voting on April 1, shared their proposals to deal with issues of great importance to the industrial sector, such as electricity rates and the opening up of the electricity market, as well as the management of procedures in State institutions.
The bill approved by the Cabinet envisages an increase of 25% to 40% in tax credits for investment in manufacturing and agribusiness.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:
In order to expedite the process and create a program for industrial competitiveness to promote the sector's growth, generating investments and new employment positions for the economy, the Cabinet approved a bill that modifies and adds articles to Law 76 of 2009, dictating measures for the promotion and development of industry.
A strategy focused on increasing competitiveness by reducing production costs and facilitating the creation of added value is what industrial enterprises have asked for.
Improving training in the use of new tools and technology and giving more value to final production are two of the main challenges faced by companies in the industrial sector.The union that brings them together is aware that the potential of the country in this sector can not be maximized if aspects affecting global competitiveness are not improved.
The union has projected growth of 4.4% in 2017 and is counting on attract more foreign investors to partner up with local entrepreneurs to promote the development of industrial activity.
More foreign investment, better use of chains that already exist, such as in the food industry, and reducing the cost of energy are elements that will enhance the development of the Nicaraguan industrial sector, which expects to close 2016 with growth of 3.8%.
Lower utility rates, a change in the exchange rate policy and starting the process to join the Pacific Alliance are in the view of the union the most urgent challenges facing the Solis administration.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica:h
The ICRC highlighted five challenges and 5 successes of the Solis Rivera administration in its first two years.
According to entrepreneurs the government's proposal for the development of the manufacturing sector does not include a budget nor does it specify how results will be measured.
The Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI) highlighted a number of deficiencies observed in the National Policy for Development, Diversion and Productive Transformation of El Salvador.
The Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI) will submit a proposal with new policies to seek recovery of the sector.
The union's executive director, Jorge Arriaza, told Elsalvador.com that part of the proposal will be submitted during the Sixth Congress of ASI.
"... Among subjects set out: the definition of a policy for financing the industrial sector, better electricity prices and incentives for new investment.
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