A study conducted at the request of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of El Salvador (Organismo Promotor de Exportaciones e Inversiones) concluded that the chemical sector – pharmaceuticals and cosmetics – has a high potential for expansion. There are currently 46 pharmaceutical companies and 23 cosmetic and hygiene product companies in the country.

The study conducted by the Spanish firm Consulting Services in Innovation Policy and Competitiveness (Servicios de Consultoría en Políticas de Innovación y Competitividad or INFYDE) aims to forge a strategy to promote investments and a plan of action facilitating the installation of new local and foreign companies, creating new jobs, and diversifying the country’s exports, as stated by the agency. The country is also recognized by the National Bureau of Medicines (Dirección Nacional de Medicamentos or DNM) and is in compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) certification Nº 32, pursuant to what is stated by the government entity.