To speak of ODASP is, in large part, to speak of Rigoberto Monge's leadership. Since 1996, when he assumed the coordination of the Organization for Support to the Private Sector in International Trade Negotiations, it was possible to consolidate a solid technical framework that allowed the private sector to participate actively, knowledgeably, and proactively in the country's major trade decisions.

The tribute was presided over by Silvia Cuéllar, President of COEXPORT, and Jorge Arriaza, President of ASI, who expressed their gratitude and admiration for the legacy that Mr. Monge has left to El Salvador.

Under his leadership, the business sector received strategic support in negotiations that shaped the course of Salvadoran foreign trade, such as the CAFTA-DR, the Central America-Mexico Free Trade Agreement, the Association Agreement with the European Union, as well as agreements with Chile, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and South Korea; he also supported processes related to Partial Scope Agreements with Cuba and Ecuador.

Business leaders from both institutions, as well as family and friends, attended this important recognition ceremony, where they shared heartfelt messages acknowledging his three decades of leading these economic and trade negotiation processes for the benefit of the country.

Throughout his career, Rigoberto Monge has held important positions in both the public and private sectors. He served as Minister of Finance, Vice Minister for Economic Affairs, and El Salvador's representative to international organizations. He has also presided over the Union of Business Leaders of El Salvador (UDES) and the Salvadoran Chamber of Consulting Firms (CAMSEC).

To this day, he continues to contribute his expertise as an advisor to COEXPORT, supporting the export sector on strategic issues for the country.

This tribute is a token of gratitude and recognition for a career that has contributed, and continues to contribute, to strengthening El Salvador's economic development and export sector.