đ El Salvador's Economic Landscape: Navigating Challenges and Opportunitiesđ Slowed Growth and Purchasing Power Decline
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, has experienced modest economic growth in recent decades, with an annual rate of 2.5 percent between 2013 and 2019Âč.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a major blow to growth, causing GDP to decline by -7.9 percent in 2020. Despite subsequent recovery, growth rates have moderated to 2.6 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023.
The economy is expected to hold steady at an average of 2.7 percent in 2024, converging toward historical averagesÂč.
Extreme poverty rates increased in 2022, remaining 4.1 percentage points above the 2019 rate.
đ Challenges and Fiscal Reforms
El Salvador faces challenges related to fiscal sustainability. The government's robust response to the COVID-19 crisis cost around 16.5 percent of GDP, pushing public debt beyond 90 percent of GDPÂč.
A well-defined medium-term fiscal framework could reduce uncertainty and allow the country to foster sustainable growth.
đTremendous Potential
Despite these challenges, El Salvador has tremendous potential for dynamic, inclusive, and resilient economic growth. Prioritizing investments in human capital and enhancing the social protection system will be crucial.
đ Let's hope El Salvador continues its journey toward prosperity! đ
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