Contribution of mobility and logistics infrastructure to national security and development

Abstract

Since 2019, El Salvador has implemented 163 infrastructure projects for mobility and logistics, which represents an investment of $1,344.50 million. These works have sought greater efficiency and safety in the transit of goods and the mobility of people, especially in the Central American region. Among the study variables, the following are analyzed: foreign trade, employment, tourism, trade in ports, and protection and mitigation works. More than $6.8 billion annually are recorded in imports and exports, with the countries of Central America. Also, more than 210,000 jobs have been generated annually in the field of construction, transportation and related marketing activities. While, in the field of tourism, more than 2.8 million people have entered and left the International Airport. And more than 5.2 million metric tons of imports and exports have been moved annually from the Port of Acajutla. Finally, more than $11.8 million have been invested in 68 projects for the protection and prevention of slopes and gullies, ensuring the safety of the population. Thus, investment in infrastructure for mobility and logistics has contributed to the achievement of El Salvador's National Objectives: Security and National Development. At the same time, challenges arise in terms of economic independence, control and supervision of critical infrastructure and national sovereignty.