El Salvador continues to face economic challenges. An uncompetitive business environment, anemic foreign direct investment, and a heavy dependence on remittances slow the economic growth rate. As a result, the economy is unable to create enough quality jobs to employ those seeking work. For those jobs that do exist, many people do not have the skills required.
Lack of economic opportunities and a path to long-term prosperity in El Salvador fuels irregular migration. To address the economic drivers of irregular migration, USAID works with Salvadoran government institutions, municipalities, and the private sector to facilitate job creation and job placement for likely migrants, and address key barriers to trade, investment, and access to capital to mobilize Salvadoran and international private sector investment in key sectors driving employment. Education and job training programs provide youth the education level and skills required by the labor market.
USAID is helping Salvadoran small businesses to grow and create new jobs, so that people can find dependable, good-paying work at home. Boosting trade is another way to assist Salvadoran firms to increase jobs and incomes. USAID works with Salvadoran authorities to streamline and improve border management and customs procedures, helping trade flow and grow more quickly.
