**Primary Article: Concerns Over Possible Extortion Spread in Tijuana’s Ports**
Tijuana’s industrial sector is expressing growing concern about the potential spread of extortion payments, known as “cobro de piso,” to the city’s ports. This practice, where criminal groups charge businesses for the right to operate, has been reported in customs export areas of other Mexican cities. According to Alejandro Jaramillo Osuna, the president of the local branch of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra), the maquiladora sector in Tijuana is particularly worried that these activities may soon affect local businesses.
Jaramillo Osuna noted that, while this criminal activity has not yet become a significant issue in Tijuana, the potential for it to emerge is troubling. “The news of how these groups target customs information to impose import fees has been widespread. Here in Tijuana, we have so far been free from this problem, but we are very concerned that it might spread,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance for his industry to understand how authorities plan to prevent extortion, adding that a proactive approach is crucial. “It’s a longstanding concern in the business sector that often, in the face of tragedies like murders or robberies, there is a reaction from authorities. But we need intelligence measures to prevent these incidents from occurring in the first place,” Jaramillo Osuna commented.
During a press conference, Julian Palombo Saucedo, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) Tijuana, echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures during the upcoming visit of a high-level official. The official is expected to tackle key issues such as regional water supply and infrastructure projects.
Carlos Jaramillo Silva, president of the Business Coordinating Council in Tijuana, expressed optimism about the security strategies of the new municipal administration. “Seeing how Tijuana is a priority at the federal level, we’re encouraged by the cooperation among different government levels,” he said.
**Secondary Article: Rise in “Cobro de Piso” in Tijuana Sparks Fear Among Small Businesses**
In addition to potential threats to the maquiladora sector, small businesses in Tijuana are increasingly falling victim to “cobro de piso.” Reports indicate that some small businesses in the city pay up to 2,000 pesos weekly to criminal groups. This issue is particularly prevalent in the eastern part of Tijuana.
This climate of intimidation is leading many business owners to feel too fearful to report these crimes. The situation is further complicated by rising rental costs, which add to the economic pressure on these small businesses.
In related news, local authorities are taking steps to boost security. They plan to establish a Regional State Security Board in Tijuana to address high crime rates, according to Aguilar Durán, a local official. Meanwhile, the municipal government aims to leverage federal coordination efforts, hoping to alleviate the strain on Tijuana’s business community.
As the city navigates these challenges, merchants prepare for a potential boost in sales during the upcoming Day of the Dead festivities, which could result in a 60% increase in economic activity within sectors such as florists, restaurants, and fruit vendors. However, the overarching concern remains the need for effective security measures to protect businesses from extortion practices.