Mexico and El Salvador push for foreign investment to boost local economies

In Mexico, Canacintra Aguascalientes president Erika Vidrio warned that record levels of foreign direct investment have not translated into growth for domestic micro, small and medium enterprises. She highlighted that many announced projects remain unrealised, labour‑only roles do not add value, and that stronger policies are needed to integrate SMEs into value chains and reduce informal activity.

In El Salvador, the government and the Inter‑American Development Bank launched the "El Salvador Crece" programme, aimed at accelerating private investment, reforming regulations and supporting sectors such as housing, tourism, and SME financing. The initiative seeks to build on recent gains in security and macro‑economic stability to attract capital and enhance productivity.

Both initiatives reflect regional efforts to turn foreign capital inflows into broader domestic economic benefits.