The information came to light after a meeting held on Thursday by the president of El Salvador Nayib Bukele with the main directors of the entity, in which it was reported that the funds would be used to create resilient infrastructures, accelerate the energy transition, increase productivity, improve urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and water and sanitation systems.
This Thursday, the Salvadoran president received the executive president of CAF, Sergio Díaz-Granados, his board of directors, and special guests with whom the Bukele spoke at length about the direction the country is taking in economic development. “For us, CAF became more than a bank or a development corporation. CAF trusted us precisely at the worst time,” the president said, referring to the data from the risk rating agencies that were unfavorable for the country. “Thank you for taking us into account when we needed it most,” he said.
In the case of El Salvador, the bank’s help will allow the execution of at least 11 large-scale projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, health, education, and security, indicated a statement from the Presidential House. It will also help modernize the aeronautical infrastructure through the construction of the runway at the Pacific Airport; improvements and equipment at the Ilopango Airport; the construction of the Tonalá Aerodrome in the department of Sonsonate; and the installation of the first submarine fiber optic cable that will allow better connectivity.
Bukele stressed that with the support of CAF and technology, a telemedicine new system will be implemented to improve the speed and quality of health services.
During the audience, the executive president of CAF thanked the reception at the Government’s House. “President Bukele, you and your Government can count on us, on an institution that believes in your country and its future (…) We see El Salvador as a great center of innovation.”
It was also known, that the bank will build the headquarters of its new CAF Building and Integration Center in El Salvador city, the country’s capital, to strengthen its commitment “to sustainable development and Latin American and Caribbean integration.”
jrr/llp/mem/lb
