Background on Canacintra and its Relevance
Canacintra, or the National Chamber of the Transforming Industry, is a prominent organization representing various industries in Mexico. With a significant presence in Puebla, Canacintra plays a crucial role in advocating for industrial growth and addressing issues faced by businesses. The organization’s recent criticism of the Cuautlancingo municipality highlights its commitment to ensuring a favorable business environment for its members and the broader industrial sector.
The Controversy: Excessive Charges for Empadronamiento Certificates
In the municipality of Cuautlancingo, where Volkswagen’s plant and its suppliers are located, Canacintra’s president, Carlos Sosa Spínola, expressed dissatisfaction with the municipal government’s excessive charges for empadronamiento certificates. These certificates are essential for businesses to operate in the area, and the municipality has been charging up to 120,000 pesos—far exceeding the actual costs outlined in the local income law.
The Intended Costs vs. Actual Charges
According to the Ley de Ingresos de Cuautlancingo (Cuautlancingo Income Law), the costs for these certificates should range from 2,000 pesos depending on the type of business. However, Canacintra has received complaints from local entrepreneurs about being unjustly overcharged.
Impact on Investment and Business Environment
Sosa Spínola emphasized that instead of fostering a favorable climate for attracting investments, these excessive charges are driving away potential investors. He pointed out that the situation negatively affects both new projects and established businesses in the region, particularly those in the automotive sector.
- Number of Affected Companies: At least 65 companies in Cuautlancingo are reportedly affected by these excessive charges, causing frustration despite the job creation in the locality.
- Call for Government Intervention: Canacintra urged the state government to address this issue promptly, either by presenting an initiative to regulate municipal costs before the state Congress or by ensuring that municipalities refrain from proposing unfair laws of income.
- Meeting with Sedetra: Canacintra held a meeting with the Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico y Trabajo (Sedetra) to discuss the matter, recognizing its urgency before municipalities finalize their income law proposals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Canacintra? Canacintra is the National Chamber of the Transforming Industry, a significant organization representing various industries in Mexico, including automotive, electronics, and metal-mechanical sectors.
- Why is Canacintra concerned about Cuautlancingo’s actions? Canacintra is concerned because the municipality’s excessive charges for empadronamiento certificates discourage potential investors and negatively impact both new projects and established businesses in the region.
- What is the intended cost vs. actual charge for empadronamiento certificates? According to Cuautlancingo’s income law, the cost for these certificates should range from 2,000 pesos. However, businesses have reported being charged up to 120,000 pesos, which is far beyond the intended fees.
- What steps has Canacintra taken to address the issue? Canacintra has met with Sedetra to discuss the matter and urged the state government to intervene by either regulating municipal costs or preventing unfair income laws from being proposed.
