Background on the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE)
The Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) is a prominent business organization in Puebla, Mexico. Comprising 27 chambers and associations, the CCE represents a significant portion of the private sector in the region. Its members include large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 80% of the businesses in Puebla.
Current State of Municipal Performance
As the one-year anniversary of 217 municipalities’ terms approaches, Héctor Sánchez Morales, the local president of CCE, expressed concerns regarding the progress made by these municipalities, particularly those in Puebla’s metropolitan area. This region accounts for 70% of the state’s economic activity, hosting key industries such as automotive (Volkswagen de México) and textile manufacturing.
Security Concerns
Sánchez Morales highlighted that security remains a pressing issue, with little improvement observed in the metropolitan area. He emphasized that the short three-year term for municipal governments should have allowed them to set clear goals and develop actionable plans addressing insecurity, economic development, and regulatory improvement.
Economic Development
The CCE president pointed out that despite the high level of economic activity in the metropolitan area, some municipalities continue to blame their predecessors for any perceived economic stagnation. He urged these authorities to focus on the present challenges instead of dwelling on past administrations’ actions.
Regulatory Improvement
Sánchez Morales stressed the need for regulatory improvements, as opening an SME in the conurbated municipalities surrounding Puebla city can still take up to 20 days due to complex and time-consuming bureaucratic processes.
Impact on Businesses and Investors
The CCE emphasized that the slow pace of development in the metropolitan area discourages both local and foreign investors. Sánchez Morales reiterated that businesses require a secure environment, especially in commercial and industrial zones, to feel confident about their investments.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CCE? The Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) is a prominent business organization in Puebla, Mexico, representing various chambers and associations that make up a significant portion of the private sector in the region.
- Why is the metropolitan area of Puebla important? This region accounts for 70% of the state’s economic activity, hosting key industries such as automotive (Volkswagen de México) and textile manufacturing.
- What concerns does the CCE have regarding municipal performance? The CCE is concerned about the lack of progress in security, economic development, and regulatory improvement in Puebla’s metropolitan area.
- How do these issues affect businesses and investors? The slow pace of development discourages both local and foreign investors, as businesses require a secure environment to feel confident about their investments.
