**Concerns Over Membership Restrictions at Tijuana’s National Chamber of Commerce**
In a recent development, representatives from various business sectors in Tijuana have raised allegations against the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) of Tijuana. They claim that their rights to affiliation and reaffiliation are being unjustly restricted ahead of an internal election to appoint a new Board of Directors.
Guillermo Rojas, a Canaco counselor and treasurer within the used cars sector, highlighted that around 50 of his colleagues have been unable to renew their memberships. “All they want is to work,” he expressed, pointing out the denial of access to membership benefits during this critical election period.
On February 6, 2025, these business representatives attempted a peaceful meeting with Canaco President Julián Palombo Saucedo but were reportedly denied entry into the organization’s offices. José Asunción Rábago, President of the Yonkers Association, criticized this move as unprecedented, noting that 80% of their members have been barred from obtaining crucial fiscal benefits, particularly related to purchasing goods in the United States.
Francisco Esparza, representing hardware store owners, mentioned the intensification of requirements to join Canaco, including proof of fiscal standing, payment, municipal operation permits, and SAT compliance opinions. He suspects these barriers stem from potential apprehension over the upcoming leadership election.
The group, backed by Karim IV Chalita Rodríguez, who intends to vie for Canaco’s presidency, urged Palombo Saucedo to engage in open dialogue. Chalita Rodríguez emphasized the need for the Chamber to serve its community impartially, free from political influences, and criticized the current management’s closed-door policies.
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**Secondary Report: Tijuana’s Business Community Calls for Transparency and Fair Election Practices**
Yet another wave of controversy has hit the Tijuana business scene as stakeholders from various commercial sectors voice concerns over potential biases within the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) electoral process. Community leaders argue that newly implemented membership prerequisites are excessively stringent, possibly disenfranchising members from participation in the pivotal selection of the new board.
This unrest follows a pattern of perceived inaccessibility, with business representatives like Guillermo Rojas from the automotive sector expressing frustration about suspected systematic limitations intended to sway the upcoming vote. Stakeholders are advocating for a level playing field, insisting that processes should be transparent and inclusive, ensuring all eligible members can exercise their right to influence the chamber’s leadership.
Amidst heightened tensions, former Canaco President Karim IV Chalita Rodríguez has taken the lead in championing an impartial reevaluation of the membership requirements. His calls for negotiation and cooperation seek to blend efficacy with fairness, promising a revitalization plan that aligns with both the chamber’s growth and member satisfaction.
These developments underscore a significant moment for Tijuana’s commercial landscape as it navigates the complexities of organizational governance and member representation. The business community’s push for clarity and fairness in the electoral processes reflects a broader desire for accountability and democratic engagement within the city’s economic frameworks.