AGP Executive Report

IMF Deal Update: The IMF approved the immediate release of about $138 million to El Salvador after completing its second and third reviews, granting waivers even though some targets were missed—while stressing no further public Bitcoin accumulation beyond documented donations. Bitcoin Governance: The IMF said El Salvador has made progress on financial reforms, fiscal transparency, and anti-money-laundering rules, including shifting control of the Chivo wallet to a private operator, and it wants stronger crypto regulation and transparency. Nations League Shock: Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz beat El Salvador 2-0 at Estadio Cuscatlán, with Javon East scoring twice after El Salvador went down to 10 men early; the result puts Jamaica in a strong position in Group B. Diplomacy on Western Sahara: El Salvador reaffirmed support at the UN for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, backing a pragmatic, UN-led political settlement. Sports Preview: El Salvador’s next Nations League match is set against Martinique, with both teams fighting for crucial points in Group B.

IMF Boost for El Salvador’s Economy: The IMF approved the immediate release of about $138M to El Salvador after completing its second and third reviews, praising stronger security and investor confidence while granting waivers for missed Bitcoin performance criteria. The Fund says El Salvador’s state role in Bitcoin-related activities is being reduced and that no further accumulation is planned beyond documented donations. Public Opinion Snapshot: A new TResearch survey puts President Nayib Bukele’s approval at 90%, with the economy named as the top concern by nearly half of respondents. Bitcoin Event Watch: El Salvador is set to host Bitcoin Histórico (Nov. 11–12) in San Salvador, aiming to bring developers and educators together around Bitcoin and “circular economies.” Sports (CONCACAF): Jamaica took control of Nations League Group B by beating 10-man El Salvador 2-0, with Javon East scoring twice.

IMF & Economy: The IMF says El Salvador’s growth is outpacing expectations, citing improved security and investor confidence, and approved the second and third reviews of its Extended Fund Facility—unlocking about $138M and waivers tied to Bitcoin accumulation. Bitcoin Policy: The same IMF update presses El Salvador to unwind state involvement in Bitcoin-related activities, while reporting the country’s on-chain Bitcoin reserve is valued around $618M. Public Opinion: A TResearch survey puts Nayib Bukele’s approval at 90%, with the economy the top concern for Salvadorans. International Spotlight: El Salvador backed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN, calling it pragmatic and lasting. Environment: The Bay of Jiquilisco was added to the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, boosting international conservation recognition. Sports: Jamaica beat 10-man El Salvador 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League action, with Javon East scoring twice.

IMF & Economy: The IMF says El Salvador’s growth is beating expectations, citing better security and investor confidence, and approved the second and third reviews of its Extended Fund Facility—unlocking about $138M and waivers tied to Bitcoin accumulation. Bitcoin Policy: The IMF praised the macro progress but reiterated pressure to unwind the state’s Bitcoin role, saying no further public accumulation is planned beyond documented donations. Public Opinion: A TResearch survey puts Nayib Bukele at 90% approval, while economic conditions remain the top concern for voters. Bitcoin Event: El Salvador is set to host Bitcoin Histórico in San Salvador’s Historic Center on Nov. 11–12, pitching sovereign Bitcoin adoption, education, and “circular economies.” Governance Trust: Latinobarómetro highlights El Salvador as a regional leader in institutional trust, with high confidence in the presidency, security forces, and public services. Environment: Jiquilisco Bay was added to the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, boosting international conservation recognition for migratory birds.

IMF & Bitcoin: The IMF approved an immediate roughly $138M payout to El Salvador after waiving a missed Bitcoin accumulation rule, saying recent additions came from private donations and that no further accumulation is expected beyond documented giving. Public Services: El Salvador ranked #1 in Latin America for citizen satisfaction across public safety, healthcare, education, and justice, with safety leading at 75%. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns El Niño risks are rising for 25.8M children across Latin America; in Central America, drought threatens harvests and boosts malnutrition risk. Migration Pressure: A new Honduran-led migrant caravan is growing toward the U.S. border, with El Niño cited as a factor that could push more people north. Sports (Concacaf): Jamaica faces El Salvador tonight in the Nations League after injuries and withdrawals reshaped its squad. Crypto Markets: Stablecoins topped about $300.9B market cap as Tron and major tokens posted strong growth, underscoring the wider digital-asset momentum around the region.

IMF & Bitcoin: The IMF completed El Salvador’s second and third reviews and approved an immediate SDR 101.96 million (about $138M) disbursement after granting a waiver over a missed Bitcoin accumulation performance condition, with El Salvador saying no further accumulation is planned beyond documented donations. Economy Watch: The IMF also pointed to stronger-than-expected growth, projecting 4.5% for 2026, alongside progress on fiscal consolidation and financial reforms. Bitcoin Strategy Debate: El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office pushed back on claims of a stablecoin shift, reiterating “Bitcoin-only” plans and noting Chivo’s operations moved to a private operator while the state keeps a minority stake. Climate Risk: UNICEF warned El Niño is putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at growing risk, with drought hitting harvests in Central America including El Salvador. Regional Cooperation: Central American maritime administrations started work on a regional maritime strategy with IMO support, including El Salvador, to coordinate priorities and an implementation roadmap. Tech Push: El Salvador is expanding its AI strategy into robotics and advanced digital infrastructure, including data-center and energy components.

Economy & Budget: El Salvador’s government sent a $12.421B 2027 budget to the Legislative Assembly, boosting spending 17.7% while keeping current tax rates and putting education at the center with $3.416B (8.1% of GDP), plus higher health, justice/defense, and community infrastructure funding. Growth Watch: The Central Reserve Bank says GDP grew 5.1% in Q2 2026, led by construction and tourism-linked services, while agriculture still took a hit from El Niño conditions. Labor Reform: The Ministry of Labor says consultations on workday reform are wrapping up with the ILO, UNDP, employers, workers, church, and academia, with any final proposal headed to the Higher Labor Council and then the president and lawmakers. Bitcoin & Culture: Bitcoin Histórico’s November run is expanding into cowboy culture with the Renaissance Rodeo, tying the program to ranching and local food traditions. Tech & Aviation: El Salvador will host the first Sky.IA summit and hackathon in Jan. 2027, aiming to apply AI to commercial aviation bottlenecks. Climate Risk: UNICEF warns 25.8M children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño rainfall risks, threatening water, food, health, and schooling. Immigration Pressure (Salvadorans in the U.S.): TPS holders say they’re stuck in uncertainty after USCIS updated guidance without a clear extension or termination date. Sports: Guatemala routed El Salvador 6-0 in CONCACAF Nations League Group B action.

Elections Watch: El Salvador’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal has officially set Feb. 28, 2027 as Election Day, kicking off the 2027 presidential race and confirming that President Nayib Bukele will seek a third term after the 2025 constitutional reform. Education Budget: The government submitted its 2027 national budget to the Legislative Assembly, proposing over $3.4B for education and aiming to push education spending above 8% of GDP as part of a modernization push. Digital Assets Clarification: El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office denied any “pivot” to stablecoins, saying the state won’t run any Bitcoin/crypto/stablecoin wallet after the Chivo Wallet sale, while privately operated stablecoin remittance apps remain separate. Energy Push: New tax incentives under the Renewable Energy Use Promotion Law are set to lower the cost of solar adoption, with import and VAT exemptions and 10-year income tax deductions. Public Health Milestone: El Salvador marked a major win by eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, recognized by PAHO/WHO. Regional Security: The OAS and the UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, extending it through March 2027.

Deportation Court Fight: A D.C. Circuit en banc hearing signaled support for reviving a contempt probe into Trump administration officials over deportation flights to El Salvador, after a judge ordered planes turned back in a Venezuelan case. ICE Accountability: DHS says Fairfax County in Virginia refused an ICE detainer and released a Honduran man charged with child sex crimes, while ICE says it still has him in custody. El Salvador Migration at Home: A Salvadoran man in Fort Smith pleaded not guilty to illegal reentry and failure to register as a sex offender, with El Salvador authorities citing an outstanding rape warrant. Haiti Security: The UN Security Council extended Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, pushing for faster deployment and more resources. Climate Risk for Central America: UNICEF warns El Niño is raising drought and flood risks for millions of children, including in El Salvador, with higher malnutrition threats. Conservation Win: Jiquilisco Bay was named El Salvador’s first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of regional importance. Digital Money Moves: Modveon and Coinbase launched low-cost stablecoin remittances in El Salvador via Sivar on Coinbase’s Base network.

Concacaf Nations League: Guatemala thrashed El Salvador 6-0 in Group B, while Honduras beat Jamaica 1-0 and Suriname edged Martinique 2-1—another tough night for El Salvador’s campaign. US–El Salvador deportation fight: A D.C. appeals court is weighing whether a judge can continue a contempt probe tied to deportation flights that sent Venezuelan men to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, with judges appearing skeptical of shutting it down. ICE enforcement with El Salvador links: ICE announced major arrests nationwide, including an El Salvador–connected case tied to fentanyl trafficking charges. TPS pressure on Salvadorans: US bishops and communities gathered in prayer as TPS for eligible Salvadorans is set to end Sept. 9, after the Supreme Court allowed the termination. Digital dollars for remittances: El Salvador launched “Sivar,” a national identity-and-payments app backed by Modveon and Coinbase’s Base network, offering a flat $2 fee for eligible US senders. World Tourism Day & AI: El Salvador put AI and trust in tourism at the center of World Tourism Day discussions, with international voices focusing on a more human-centered travel future.

U.N. Spotlight: El Salvador’s Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco challenged the world body’s relevance at the General Assembly, asking “Where are the United Nations?” and arguing change comes from actions, not resolutions. Security & Diplomacy: Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori says she’ll visit El Salvador in late October to study Bukele’s anti-gang security and prison system as Peru faces rising organized crime and extortion. Energy Update: El Salvador’s power exports jumped 63.4% to $18.5M amid El Niño-driven drought, while the country broke ground on a new 115 kV San Miguel–Morazán transmission line to strengthen the grid. Tourism & Culture: UN Tourism chief Shaikha Al Nuwais toured San Salvador’s heritage sites for World Tourism Day 2026, highlighting El Salvador’s push to blend tradition with tech. Regional Sports: Nigeria drew El Salvador for the 2027 Davis Cup World Group II play-offs, with the tie set for February 5–7, 2027. Business & Permits: Invest and APLAN outlined steps for opening a restaurant in San Salvador’s Historic Center, from legal setup to construction permits and operating licenses.

Historic Center Boost: Invest and APLAN outline the steps to open a restaurant in San Salvador’s Historic Center, from forming a legal entity and tax registration to labor setup, permits, and APLAN’s operating license process. Energy Infrastructure: ETESAL broke ground on the 115 kV San Miguel–Morazán transmission line, aiming to strengthen grid reliability and connect with the Morazán substation under construction. Tourism Push: El Salvador is spotlighted for World Tourism Day 2026, with UN Tourism pointing to rapid growth and a focus on digital transformation and AI; First Lady Gabriela de Bukele hosted UN Tourism’s secretary-general ahead of the event. Diplomacy & Trade: El Salvador signed a double taxation agreement with Türkiye and held talks with Kuwait on cooperation in agriculture, AI, and tourism. U.N. Message: Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco told the General Assembly that no country should be forced to accept collapse, arguing the UN must act beyond resolutions. Sports: El Salvador plays Guatemala in CONCACAF Nations League action today.

World Tourism Day Diplomacy: Kuwait’s ambassador to Mexico and non-resident ambassador to El Salvador, Salah Al-Haddad, says both countries want to deepen ties—especially in tourism—after meeting El Salvador’s tourism minister and UN Tourism leaders during the World Tourism Day events in San Salvador. US Immigration Pressure on Salvadorans: A report highlights how Salvadoran TPS holders face uncertainty after expirations, with construction owners warning that if protections aren’t extended, jobs and pay could be disrupted for thousands of Salvadorans in the U.S. Regional Security Watch: An OAS joint statement urges the UN Security Council to renew and fully fund Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, linking security support to upcoming elections. Local Tourism Tech Push: El Salvador is tied to the World Tourism Day theme on a “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence,” with partners stressing AI and digital tools to redesign tourism experiences. Sports (Regional): Concacaf Nations League action includes El Salvador beating Martinique 3-1, setting the tone for the group stage.

World Tourism Day 2026: El Salvador is hosting the UN Tourism celebrations under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” with leaders stressing that tech and digital identity should improve travel while keeping people at the center. Sports (CONCACAF Nations League): Jamaica opened with a 3-2 comeback win over Guatemala, capped by Renaldo Cephas in stoppage time, while El Salvador beat Martinique 3-1 in the same group window. Immigration & courts (U.S.-El Salvador link): A Trump-appointed judge in Maryland held ICE in contempt after a young asylum seeker was removed to El Salvador despite court orders protecting him. Regional migration pressure: A Central American migrant caravan of about 300 Hondurans and others entered Mexico’s Chiapas from Guatemala, moving toward Tapachula for work and safety. Policy/hemisphere security: OAS member states urged the UN to renew Haiti’s gang suppression force mandate, with El Salvador among the signatories.

U.S.-El Salvador Security Ties: Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco met U.S. State Department officials on emerging threats, underscoring continued cooperation on counternarcotics, migration, and regional security. Deportation Court Fight: A federal judge held DHS in contempt for deporting a teenage asylum seeker to El Salvador despite court orders, ordering the teen’s return to pursue his asylum claim. Diplomacy at UNGA81: Turkey’s Hakan Fidan met Hill in New York and signed an agreement on avoiding double taxation, while Fidan also held talks with Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau. Visa Deal: Kuwait and El Salvador signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports. World Tourism Day 2026: UN Tourism’s Sept. 27 theme—“Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”—will be hosted in El Salvador. Sports (CONCACAF): El Salvador opened Nations League play with a 3-1 win over Martinique and now faces Guatemala in a Group B matchup.

Deportation Court Battle: A federal judge held the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in contempt for deporting a teenage asylum seeker to El Salvador despite court orders, ordering the teen’s return to the U.S. to pursue his asylum claim. U.S.-El Salvador Security Ties: El Salvador’s foreign minister met U.S. State Department officials on emerging security threats, while Trump again pointed to cooperation with El Salvador as part of his broader immigration and security push. Diplomacy & Travel: Kuwait and El Salvador signed a bilateral visa exemption deal for diplomatic, special, and official passport holders. UNGA81 Engagement: El Salvador’s foreign minister also met with Turkey’s foreign minister in New York, signing an agreement to avoid double taxation. Diaspora Voting: El Salvador’s RNPN says over 1 million Salvadorans abroad are eligible to vote, with most able to use remote online voting depending on their address on their DUI. Sports (CONCACAF): El Salvador opened Nations League play with a 3-1 win over Martinique and is set for more group matches as the tournament heats up.