**The Legacy of “Grupo de los Jueves” – An Exclusive Look**
When the Federal Government began selling off banks, airports, telecommunications companies, and more, Baja California and Tijuana’s local entrepreneurs lacked the expertise to bid for national concessions. It was during this period that a group of friends and I set a goal to establish an association capable of placing offers for facilities like telephone companies and the airports in Mexicali, Tijuana, and San Felipe. We reached out to several notable figures to bolster our acquisition bids.
Our first meeting was hosted at Jorge Walter’s house, which is now the residence of the American consul. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Don Héctor Lutteroth, Don Gastón Luken, Enrique Mier y Terán, Don José Fimbres, Jorge Walter himself, and around ten other well-known entrepreneurs. During this event, I met Yolanda, Jorge Walter’s cheerful and charming young wife, who has devoted her life to family and noble causes following Walter’s untimely passing—a legacy carried on by their daughter, Yolanda.
The group adopted the name “Grupo de los Jueves” (Thursday Group). Membership was simple: unanimous approval from current members, with no dues—just the cost of meals and engaging conversation. Despite presenting various offers, we were rejected on all fronts. Witnessing Monterrey, Guadalajara, the State of Mexico, Yucatán, and Mexico City secure banks, airports, financial institutions, and other assets was disheartening. Consequently, our group transformed into an intellectual “think tank” attracting presidents, ministers, intellectuals, and notable figures from across the country.
Our discussions, though discreet and not covered by the press, occasionally made waves in the city. Whenever a high-profile individual visited our region, we seized the opportunity for them to listen to us and understand the burgeoning influence of Tijuana.
Key figures contributed to these discussions: Pedro Romero Torres Torrija talked about importation and trade issues; Gastón Luken Garza educated on electoral processes, recounting PAN’s historic win; Enrique Mier elaborated on maquiladoras, and Pablo Gutiérrez Barrón added humor with his witty verses, often poking fun at prominent guests.
One memorable instance was when Gastón Luken Garza’s democracy discussion impressed Muñoz Ledo so much that he repeatedly praised Garza, leading to significant career opportunities for Garza within Mexico. Other noteworthy members included Luis López Moctezuma, a respected figure in local and national politics, and various others from academia and industry.
Throughout the pandemic, figures like Jorge Barreto and economist Ramón Loaiza ensured the group maintained its presence in Tijuana’s intellectual circles. Presently, influential leaders and intellectuals continue to contribute to the dynamic atmosphere of the group, with recent additions including capable and talented women such as Alejandra Santos, Claudia Basurto, and Lourdes López de Lara.
While it is impossible to encapsulate thirty years of “Grupo de los Jueves” in a short article, the group’s significant impact and legacy are undeniable. The group still meets every Thursday at 2 PM on the 32nd floor of the Agua Caliente Towers, fostering an environment of rich debate, shared experiences, and camaraderie.
A recent development tied to the legacy of “Grupo de los Jueves” is the emerging discussions around the privatization of new sectors in Baja California. Similar groups inspired by the Thursday Group are forming in various regions, aiming to leverage local expertise in upcoming bids. Recent reports indicate that new opportunities in the renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors are being looked into by these groups. This effort is a testament to the enduring influence of the original “think tank” created by visionary Tijuana entrepreneurs three decades ago.