El Salvador: with open arms.

"A vision without a plan is just a dream" (Antoine de Saint Exupery) however, with the signing of CAFTA heralding the most important economic development for the region this year and its implementation on January 1st 2006, there is no doubt that this trade pact between the United States, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic will make this plan a reality.

The Free Trade Agreement will eliminate tariffs on the USD 33 billion that Central America and the Dominican Republic export annually to the US, as well as the USD 16 billion that the US exports to these countries.

This is just the beginning of what is predicted to be an increase in trade and benefits for all involved. The Leadership of this economic transformation was admirably spearheaded by the Republic of El Salvador and its president, Elias Antonio Saca. Having emerged from 12 years of civil war, El Salvador has in this decade shown strong strides of desiring reconstruction, and establishing strong ties with the international community.

Currently, El Salvador offers one of the most favorable business environments, not only in the region, but worldwide, according to Moody's country risk ratings, as well as the Heritage Foundation's business climate ratings. It has Central America's second lowest inflation rate, and second best minimum wage rate. It has the most modern airport in the region, as well as good road infrastructure, and a free-trade zone. An ambitious plan to build a dry port, via Puerto La Union, in 2008, will join the Atlantic with the Pacific Oceans. This alternative to the Panama Canal will be capable of transporting containers via train in five hours.

Salvadorean law protects foreign investment, treating foreign capital with the same advantages as local investment. It also protects capital investment repatriation and investment forecasts are stable, due to the adopting of the US dollar in 2001.

El Salvador has strived to become the epicenter of business in the region through hosting the region's largest International Trade Fair and housing the only Central American World Trade Center. Many foreign investors have already recognized and taken advantage of the wide range of opportunities that El Salvador offers. Countries like the USA, Canada, Spain, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Mexico have shown interest in investments in software, textiles, manufacturing, autoparts, construction and infrastructures.

The anger that had once destroyed the country has channeled itself into the renovating energy and creativity that has rebuilt El Salvador and opened it to the world. Thanks to a hopeful, young and ambitious growth-driven workforce, El Salvador is striving to turn into Central America's business and distribution center. How's that for a plan!

A clear sign of this plan in motion is the fund that the USTDA allocated last on October, 2004, with the purpose of creating a unique model of an electronic customs portal that will integrate and facilitate import/export transactions; this will serve as an important model for the region. Additionally, United States' Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez's accolades to Salvadoran democracy and economic freedom initiatives have helped solidify this plan. For these reasons and much more, President Antonio Saca can confidently state that "this country is the most prepared to enter CAFTA"