COAMSS/ OPAMSS

EL SALVADOR'S CONSTRUCTION BOOM: 725 PROJECTS, 187,000 JOBS AND $1.5 BILLION IN FINANCING OPAMSS Executive Director Luis Rodríguez reports expanding real estate investment, 181 high-rise developments, growing housing opportunities and a new AI-powered planning system as El Salvador's construction sector accelerates. SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR — October 20, 2026. El Salvador's construction and real estate sectors are emerging as major drivers of economic growth, with more than 725 projects under OPAMSS monitoring across the San Salvador metropolitan area, approximately 187,000 jobs and more than $1.5 billion in financing for new construction and real estate developments. Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area Planning Office (OPAMSS), presented the figures Tuesday during an extensive interview on La Tribu FM, outlining the scale of the country's construction expansion, its impact on employment and business creation, and the next phase of investment. According to Rodríguez, construction and real estate activities now account for nearly 18% of El Salvador's gross domestic product. The sector's expansion is also reshaping the country's urban landscape, with 181 high-rise projects under monitoring and growing development activity across residential, commercial and mixed-use properties. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE APPROACH 18% OF GDP Rodríguez described construction and real estate as one of the country's most significant private-sector economic activities. He reported that the sector expanded by more than 30% last year compared with a typical year, with further growth recorded in 2026. Financing for new construction and real estate projects has surpassed $1.5 billion, representing a 30% increase over the previous year. The expansion is also benefiting industries connected to construction. Rodríguez reported that the insurance and surety market associated with the sector has grown by 12%, exceeding $500 million. He also highlighted increased cement consumption and approximately $1.13 billion in raw-material activity supporting the industry. The figures reflect an expanding network of developers, contractors, financial institutions, suppliers and professional service providers supporting new investment. 187,000 JOBS AND MORE THAN 1,800 NEW BUSINESSES Employment remains one of the strongest indicators of the sector's expansion. According to Rodríguez, approximately 187,000 jobs are being registered across construction-related activity, with women representing around 20% of the workforce on construction sites. He highlighted cooperation between OPAMSS and private developers to expand employment opportunities for women through accelerated training programs. These programs provide entry points into construction activities, occupational safety, technical work and supervision. The expansion is also supporting business formation. Rodríguez reported that more than 1,800 new companies connected to construction have emerged over the past two years. Meanwhile, services surrounding the industry have grown by an average of approximately 50%, including architectural firms, legal services, financial structuring, suppliers and other businesses. The growth is creating opportunities not only for major developers but also for small and medium-sized Salvadoran enterprises. 181 HIGH-RISE PROJECTS RESHAPE THE CAPITAL San Salvador's skyline is undergoing a major transformation. Rodríguez confirmed that OPAMSS is monitoring 181 high-rise developments, describing the number as historically significant. The broader metropolitan project portfolio exceeds 725 developments. The expansion includes residential towers, mixed-use complexes, commercial buildings and new investment opportunities across the metropolitan area. Rodríguez also discussed plans to extend residential and commercial development toward San Salvador's Historic Center. One residential project along the corridor connecting Parque Cuscatlán with the city center is approximately 80% complete, according to his remarks. Four additional projects are being considered within the surrounding area. The developments are intended to expand residential opportunities and commercial activity around the revitalized Historic Center. TETHER TOWER: A 77-STORY PROJECT ADVANCES THROUGH MARKET STUDIES Among the most anticipated developments is the proposed Tether Tower. Rodríguez discussed the 77-story project and confirmed that it remains in the market-study phase because of its scale and complexity. Its location has not been publicly disclosed. According to the OPAMSS executive director, the project requires extensive evaluation of market demand, infrastructure, urban impact and financial feasibility. He also indicated that public infrastructure connections are being examined to support the development's potential uses. The proposed tower would represent a major addition to El Salvador's evolving skyline and reflects the growing ambition of the country's real estate sector. AFFORDABLE HOUSING ENTERS A NEW PHASE The expansion is increasingly reaching additional segments of the housing market. Rodríguez explained that much of the initial construction growth was concentrated in luxury developments, while 2026 has brought stronger activity in middle-income and affordable housing. He also confirmed growing interest in social housing projects. A recent delegation led by Housing Minister @misol140 traveled to Washington, accompanied by OPAMSS, the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction (@CASALCOsv) and private-sector representatives, to advance discussions on financing for affordable housing. The initiative involves financing structures for both developers and homebuyers, including cooperation with multilateral financial institutions. Rodríguez highlighted the role of new construction technologies in reducing development costs and accelerating housing production. He reported that the number of companies capable of using certain industrialized housing construction systems has increased from two to eight. These systems are expected to support larger-scale housing development through more efficient construction methods. NIX 2: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ACCELERATE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT OPAMSS is also preparing the next generation of its artificial intelligence planning technology. Rodríguez announced that NIX 2 is scheduled for launch on November 24, 2026, expanding the capabilities of the original NIX platform introduced last year. The first version allows investors and developers to evaluate land and determine preliminary development feasibility. NIX 2 will extend those capabilities into comprehensive project planning. Developers will be able to select a property and use artificial intelligence to evaluate proposed building types, number of floors, residential configurations, commercial space, preliminary costs and regulatory requirements. According to Rodríguez, the system can also estimate construction materials, including cement requirements, and generate alternative development configurations. The platform is designed to support investment decisions before developers begin formal permitting and construction. The technology represents another step in OPAMSS's effort to modernize urban planning and improve the efficiency of real estate investment. GRUPO COX'S $2.9 BILLION INVESTMENT OPENS ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Rodríguez also addressed the recently announced $2.9 billion investment by Spain's Grupo Cox in El Salvador's energy and water sectors. He described the investment as historically significant and explained that OPAMSS is already working with private developers to evaluate additional opportunities in areas that could benefit from the infrastructure expansion. According to Rodríguez, discussions with the private sector began shortly after the investment announcement. The planning process includes identifying suitable development areas, evaluating feasibility and considering measures that could encourage further investment. Rodríguez also highlighted President @nayibbukele's involvement in attracting major investors, explaining that the president has personally participated in meetings that help advance investment agreements. The Grupo Cox investment is expected to strengthen essential infrastructure supporting future residential, commercial and industrial development. INVESTMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION El Salvador's construction expansion is extending beyond individual buildings. The figures presented by OPAMSS point to a growing economic network connecting private investment, banking, engineering, housing, employment, infrastructure and technological innovation. With more than 725 metropolitan projects, 181 high-rise developments, approximately 187,000 jobs and more than $1.5 billion in financing for new projects, the sector is helping reshape the country's economic and urban landscape. The next phase includes expanded affordable housing, major infrastructure investments, new development around the Historic Center and artificial intelligence tools designed to accelerate investment decisions. El Salvador is not simply building more. It is building at a scale that is transforming its cities, creating businesses and expanding economic opportunities. EL SALVADOR ON 𝕏 Explaining El Salvador to the World. Original reporting: Based on the October 20, 2026 interview with @LRodriguez_SV, executive director of @COAMSS_OPAMSS, broadcast by @SomosLaTribuFM. Interview recorded and transcribed by El Salvador on X; English reporting and editorial presentation by El Salvador on X.