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Economic Section
 


The Economic Section works with the Government of El Salvador, the Salvadoran private sector, and U.S. businesses and groups on policies and programs related to the economy.

Our goals include: promoting sustainable economic growth and development, trade and a healthy investment environment; supporting the development of well-functioning regulatory systems; protecting intellectual property; advocating for U.S. companies to ensure transparency and fair play; and deepening cooperation on issues including the environment and transportation safety. Our staff includes Americans and Salvadorans working to advance our mutual interest.

John Barrett, Economic Counselor

 

John Barrett
John arrives as the new Economic Counselor in El Salvador from Kabul, Afghanistan where he was a member of the USG’s negotiating team that finalized the U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership Agreement.  Prior to his 12 month posting in Kabul, John served in the Economic Affairs Section of Brasilia, Brazil managing the finance and macroeconomic portfolios.  He previously served in Public Affairs in Beijing and Consular Affairs in Guatemala City.  Before joining the Foreign Service, John held several business and strategic planning positions with PepsiCo, The Walt Disney Company and LEK Consulting.  John graduated from Middlebury College and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

John arrives as the new Economic Counselor in El Salvador from Kabul, Afghanistan where he was a member of the USG’s negotiating team that finalized the U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership Agreement.  Prior to his 12 month posting in Kabul, John served in the Economic Affairs Section of Brasilia, Brazil managing the finance and macroeconomic portfolios.  He previously served in Public Affairs in Beijing and Consular Affairs in Guatemala City.  Before joining the Foreign Service, John held several business and strategic planning positions with PepsiCo, The Walt Disney Company and LEK Consulting.  John graduated from Middlebury College and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

 

Leah Cato, Deputy Economic Counselor

Ms. Cato joined the Foreign Service in 2002.  Her overseas assignments include Costa Rica, Kuwait, Iraq, and Yemen.  Ms. Cato’s domestic tours include appointments as the Chile Desk Officer and as a Staff Assistant in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Front Office. 

Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Ms. Cato was a Presidential Management Fellow in the Department of State’s Office of Cuban Affairs.  She received a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Schiller University in London and a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Spanish from Florida State University.  Ms. Cato speaks English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

Pete Broadbent, Economic Officer

Mr. Broadbent graduated from Brigham Young University in 2000 with a degree in Economics.  He earned his Law Degree from the University of Chicago in 2004.  Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Broadbent worked as a transactional attorney in the oil and gas sector in Houston, Texas. 

Mr. Broadbent joined the Foreign Service in 2008 and has previously served in Manila, Philippines as a Consular Officer.  In El Salvador, his portfolio covers energy, environment, civil aviation, textiles and apparel, construction, telecommunications and tourism.  Mr. Broadbent is married and has four children.”

 

The Economic Section works with the U.S. Commercial Service San Salvador, which provides assistance to U.S. companies wishing to enter the Salvadoran market. They can be reached directly at: U.S. Commercial Service Website

U.S. Goverment Agencies


CAFTA-DR


U.S. Government Reports


America.gov Econ & Trade websites


Government of El Salvador


Other Salvadoran Organizations