### Allegations of Exclusion in Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce Elections
Representatives from various Tijuana trade groups, including hardware store owners, auto part dealers, used car sellers, and marketers, have voiced concerns over what they describe as a breach of their rights by the Tijuana branch of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur). The allegations come ahead of an upcoming election which will determine the new board of directors. According to Guillermo Rojas, a board member and treasury specialist for the auto group, around 50 colleagues have been unable to renew their memberships, a hindrance to their businesses, they claim.
On February 6, 2025, when the representatives attempted a peaceful dialogue with Julián Palombo Saucedo, president of the organization, they were denied entry. José Asunción Rábago, president of the Yonkeros Association, criticized the leadership for not facilitating the membership of 80% of his association’s members, which impacts their ability to obtain fiscal benefits for purchasing goods from the United States.
Francisco Esparza, another key figure in the hardware sector, reported an increase in membership requirements recently, now including municipal operation permits and fiscal compliance opinions. Suspicions are that these changes are tied to the anticipated leadership election. Esparza stressed the need for fair procedures and insisted that the organization should support and not burden potential members.
Karim IV Chalita Rodríguez, an aspiring candidate for the presidency, accompanied the group, calling for a fair and open dialogue. He expressed concern over the organization’s politicization, emphasizing that it should stand as a non-partisan entity supporting the business community.
### Call for Fair Representation in Tijuana Business Sectors
In related developments, many within the Tijuana business sectors continue to express dissatisfaction with their current representation. Karim Chalita, a former Canaco leader, has stated that incumbent leadership has failed to engage in constructive dialogues on ten occasions. His bid for presidency aims to restore an open conversation and address the pressing needs of the commercial community.
Chalita’s campaign emphasizes creating a level playing field for all stakeholders and ensuring that membership policies are transparent and equitable. Many business owners are frustrated with what they perceive as unnecessary hurdles stifling their potential to flourish and contribute more substantially to Tijuana’s economy.
The ongoing discourse highlights a palpable tension among Tijuana’s business communities as they seek fair representation and easier access to membership privileges, which are key to their cross-border operations and overall success.
For updates on this evolving story and more news on Tijuana’s business community, visit TJGringo.com regularly.