The positioning in air matters, the revitalization of the economy and the promotion of domestic tourism are the objectives pursued by the ratification of the Agreement on Air Transport between El Salvador and Uruguay, which was approved, with 60 votes, by the deputies of the Legislative Assembly. This agreement was signed last September, in New York, United States.
This is a complementary instrument, which consists of 29 articles, to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention of 1944, and is for the purpose of establishing mixed regular air services.
Currently, El Salvador has 13 bilateral treaties and agreements with international organizations related to air issues, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) created by the Convention. on International Civil Aviation.
“Air transport is a powerful tool that drives economic and social development. Through this agreement, El Salvador will have greater connectivity with that nation in the southern part of the continent and with this new routes for trade, tourism and investment will be opened,” said deputy Raúl Chamagua, in the plenary session. number 27.
Qatar, Canada, and Brazil have been the latest nations with which agreements have been established, through the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), and it is expected that after Uruguay, one more will be added with Argentina.
The construction and remodeling mechanisms of the airport are important to be attractive to the rest of the countries to be a financial and logistical HUB, which means that El Salvador can be a center of foreign trade.
“This type of agreement encourages cooperation between countries and promotes the growth of international air transport in a safe and efficient manner,” added parliamentarian Chamagua.
The benefits of the ratification of the agreement with Uruguay
Among the benefits on this topic is not only the strengthening of bilateral ties between both nations, but also complementing the Convention on International Civil Aviation, of which the two countries are part (ICAO).
In addition, employment and economic development opportunities are opening up in both countries by having a freer flow of goods and people.
The agreement will allow airlines to operate more freely and efficiently, while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
Cooperation in civil cooperation will strengthen our control and regulation system, ensuring that international security standards are rigorously applied to benefit users.
In the cultural and academic sphere, connectivity will allow a more enriching exchange between both populations, students, researchers, professionals from various fields, among others.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aviation Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amelia Ramos, an aviation policy expert, to discuss the recently ratified Agreement on Air Transport between El Salvador and Uruguay. Dr. Ramos, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Amelia Ramos (AR): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this significant development in air transport.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. This agreement signifies a notable moment for both El Salvador and Uruguay. Can you explain the strategic importance of such air transport agreements for countries like El Salvador?
AR: Absolutely. Air transport agreements are vital for enhancing connectivity. They enable countries to establish regular air services, which is essential not only for facilitating travel but also for boosting trade and tourism. For El Salvador, this agreement with Uruguay opens up new routes that can drive economic growth, attract investments, and promote domestic tourism, which is crucial for revitalizing the local economy.
TNE: You mentioned the impact on tourism. Could you elaborate on how increased air connectivity might influence domestic tourism specifically?
AR: Increased connectivity can lead to greater accessibility to tourist destinations within the country. With more flights, travelers can easily explore different regions, which can foster a deeper appreciation for El Salvador’s rich culture, natural beauty, and heritage. Hence, this agreement can not only benefit international travel but stimulate local tourism businesses as well.
TNE: That makes perfect sense. Deputy Raúl Chamagua emphasized that this agreement could enhance trade and investment opportunities. How do you see this happening in a practical sense?
AR: Trade and investment flourish when businesses can easily reach each other and transport goods. With established air services to Uruguay and, by extension, other southern nations, Salvadoran businesses can export their products more efficiently and attract foreign investments. This can lead to job creation and economic diversification, which are essential for sustainable development.
TNE: Currently, El Salvador has 13 bilateral treaties in place. How does the addition of the Uruguay agreement fit into this framework, and what are the implications of having multiple bilateral agreements?
AR: The fact that El Salvador has multiple bilateral treaties reflects a proactive approach to its international relations and economic strategy. Each agreement expands the country’s air transport network, which provides more options for travelers and businesses. This network is essential for integrating El Salvador into the global economy and ensuring that it is competitive in attracting both tourists and investors.
TNE: You mentioned that air transport acts as a tool for economic and social development. Can you discuss any potential challenges that El Salvador might face in realizing the benefits of this new agreement?
AR: Certainly. While the agreement offers many opportunities, there are challenges as well. These can include ensuring that the necessary infrastructure—such as airports and air traffic management systems—can handle increased traffic. Additionally, collaboration with airlines to establish routes can present logistical hurdles. Lastly, promoting awareness of these new routes and ensuring they are utilized effectively is crucial for maximizing the benefits.
TNE: Those challenges are indeed significant. Looking ahead, what should be El Salvador’s next steps to capitalize on this agreement and ensure its success?
AR: El Salvador should focus on strengthening its infrastructure to accommodate increased air traffic. There’s also a need for marketing campaigns to raise awareness among potential travelers and investors. Moreover, forging strong partnerships with airlines and travel agencies will help to create an attractive package for tourists. ongoing assessments of the impact of this agreement will be vital to adapt strategies as necessary.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Ramos, for your insights into this agreement and what it means for El Salvador and Uruguay. It’s clear that great potential lies ahead for both countries.
AR: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for air transport in the region, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important discussion on air transport and its impact on economic growth. Stay with us for more updates and analyses on key issues shaping our world.