According to the IMF, in the first half of the year, the Salvadoran economy increased above the estimated potential, the inflation remained low and the fiscal position was better than expected.
From the International Monetary Fund statement:
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Alina Carare, visited San Salvador from November 12 to 16, 2018 to discuss recent economic and financial developments.
Lack of a "country agreement to escape the vicious circle of lack of growth, investment and employment, and excessive bureaucracy" continues to affect the business climate.
From a report on the Legal and Institutional Situation by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development:
The report is divided into 3 chapters, in which an analysis is undertaken of the most important issues that occurred during the semester relating to the rule of law, transparency, security and the business climate.Among the most noteworthy findings, the following are mentioned:
A new proposal from the business sector aims not only to propose solutions to the fiscal problem but also strengthen productive areas in order to grow in a sustainable manner.
The National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP) has summarized its proposals based on four pillars: economic growth, combating and reducing poverty, strengthening democratic institutions, and a pact on fiscal responsibility.
"The ongoing economic recovery in the United States and persistence of relatively low oil prices will provide favorable tailwinds to the region.Because of supply constraints, the region is expected to maintain a moderate pace of growth in coming years."
From the press release by IMF:
Central bank governors, finance ministers, and banking superintendents of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, and senior IMF officials met in El Salvador on July 23-24 to review the economic outlook for the region and strategies to strengthen policy frameworks and raise inclusive growth. The regional conference saw the participation of the President of El Salvador, Salvador Sánchez-Cerén; Governor of the Bank of México, Agustín Carstens; Director of the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis, Laura van Geest; and former Finance Minister of Perú, Luis Carranza.
Slow dynamism in economic activity, public finances which are deteriorating and unchanged as well as growing insecurity marked the first year in office of the President of El Salvador Sanchez Ceren.
From a statement issued by the Foundation for the Development of El Salvador (Melt):
2014 and the first months of 2015 indicate that the economy continues with a low level of performance.
"The Salvadoran economy continues to stagnate in a cycle of low growth and uncontrollable public debt, while economic and social policies focus on short-term relief, driving away employment opportunities."
From a statement by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES):
The Salvadoran economy continues to stagnate in a cycle of low growth and uncontrollable public debt; while economic and social policies focus on short-term relief, driving employment opportunities away.
According to the ratings agency the political polarization that characterizes the Legislature which will take office on May 1 could hamper the implementation of the fiscal reforms that the country needs.
From an article by Fitch Ratings:
El Salvador's New Legislature May Yield Fiscal Restraint
Fitch Ratings-New York-23 March 2015: Gains by opposition parties in El Salvador's legislative assembly could result in a compromise to improve the sustainability of public finances but political polarization is likely to continue weighing on the prospects for growth-enhancing and security reforms, Fitch Ratings says.
The 3rd Summit of the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean resulted in an expected collection of platitudes which can be summarized by everyone willing to "be rich and healthy and not poor and sick", plus a media show of diplomatic excesses.
EDITORIAL
The meeting was attended by all the leaders who were able to, obviously not because they expected to accomplish anyhing that might benefit the people of their respective countries, but simply because "you have to be there".
The union of industrialists states that the government's five-year plan lacks any definition of concrete actions which would allow it to bring about anticipated results.
From a statement issued by the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI):
In the view of industrialists it is a document which contains some important evaluations and defines priorities for government issues, but it lacks a concrete action plan to provide solutions to the serious problems we Salvadorans are facing, especially with regard to violence, stagnation of the economy and lack of jobs.
The National Foundation for Development is predicting better economic performance in 2015 driven by FOMILENIO projects but warns of the need to adjust public spending.
From a statement issued by the National Development Foundation (FADE):
In 2014 the low growth in economic activity persisted. The IVAE recorded growth of 0.4% in September, indicating, with a very high probability that GDP growth will be below 2.0%.
According FUSADES in the last three months the Salvadoran economy continued to show signs of advanced deterioration.
From a statement by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES):
In the third quarter of 2014 the Salvadoran society has found opportunities for economic dialogue in order to address the challenges of low growth, unemployment, migration, and growing public debt.
Employers in the region are complaining about a lack of long-term development policies, and are asking for Government transparency, effectiveness and legal certainty, so that they can continue investing in the region.
During a meeting between businessmen and government called 'Expanding opportunities: promoting the private sector and job creation', entrepreneurs from different sectors shared their concerns and views on the investment climate in the region.
The business sector indicates that the country is going through a deep fiscal, economic, social, institutional and public security crisis.
From a statement issued by the National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP):
The business sector agrees with the feeling of the population expressed in surveys and different areas of opinion regarding the fact that the country is going through a deep fiscal, economic, social, institutional and insecurity crisis.