Estudio de la reactivación económica post pandemia covid-19 en el sector San Agustín del cantón de Manta hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2022.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact in Ecuador, severely affecting key sectors such as commerce and tourism, especially in Manta, a city that represents 2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The San Agustín sector, characterized by its commercial activity and dependent on tourism, experienced a notable decrease in its activity due to health restrictions and reduced mobility. This study aims to analyze the economic reactivation in the San Agustín sector until December 31, 2022, identifying the strategies and actions implemented by merchants, the key actors involved in the recovery process, and the new sources of employment generated. The methodology had a quantitative approach, using surveys of merchants in the sector, and analyzing economic data from official sources. Support measures were highlighted, such as tax incentives and programs for small and medium-sized businesses, which helped mitigate the impact of the crisis. Despite these actions, the reactivation process was uneven, and employment still remains one of the most important challenges. This study provides a detailed overview of the efforts made to recover the local economy, and offers recommendations to strengthen reactivation strategies, focusing on long-term sustainability and improving employment opportunities in San Agustín.