Image by SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — According to CAMARASAL, the Technology Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador, 22 percent of commerce in El Salvador is conducted digitally, signaling a growing shift toward e-commerce in the country.
Jaime García, president of the CAMARASAL Technology Committee, stated in a Dialogo-21 TV interview that El Salvador is beginning to embrace digital commerce, and the trend continues to gain momentum.
Garcia noted that the shift is driven not only by technological advancements but also by consumer demand. “Companies must remain competitive to meet their customers’ evolving expectations,” remarked García.
Despite this upward trend, in-person transactions still dominate. García noted that four out of 10 adults prefer to conduct purchases physically rather than online due to apprehension about digital transactions.
“The population still fears using technological platforms,” said Yessenia Salas, Director of Technical Affairs at CAMARASAL, during a Dialogo 21 interview.
Salas attributed the reluctance to use technological platforms to a lack of information and understanding about digital tools.
Last year, a survey by the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) highlighted the gap between digital presence and actual sales.
While 85% of startups in El Salvador have a presence on Facebook, only 65% manage to sell their products or services through the platform.
Similarly, 87% of microenterprises maintain a Facebook page, but only 61% successfully engage in digital sales.
SEE ALSO: ANEP: Women-Led Companies in El Salvador Have Grown 30% Over the Last Decade
Cybersecurity Concerns Grow
CAMARASAL’s director of technical affairs, Yesenia Salas, emphasized that while e-commerce expanded significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, small and medium-sized enterprises still face considerable hurdles in securing digital transition.
“Digital security is as important as physical security today,” Salas said, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures—around 40% of companies have suffered cyberattacks.
Salas warned that the cost of such attacks can be severe, often resulting in losing valuable information and financial resources.
The technology committee emphasized the need to treat cybersecurity as an essential tool for safe interaction in the digital space.
CAMARASAL hosted an event on Thursday, Jan. 13, to address these concerns as part of its Cyberweek initiative.
The event featured national and international panelists discussing cybersecurity threats, digital defense strategies, and the importance of preparedness in an increasingly digital marketplace.
