Background on Carlos Sosa Spínola and Canacintra
Carlos Sosa Spínola, the president of Canacintra (National Council of the Transformation Industry), is a prominent figure in Puebla’s industrial sector. As the head of this influential organization, Sosa Spínola represents the interests of numerous manufacturing companies in Puebla. His recent statements highlight concerns about the implementation of the Acquisitions Law, which aims to ensure that a significant portion of government purchases benefit micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes).
The Acquisitions Law and its Implications
The Ley de Adquisiciones, Arrendamientos y Servicios del Sector Público Estatal y Municipal, or the Public Sector State and Municipal Acquisitions, Leasing, and Services Law, was reformed in 2021 to mandate that at least 80% of government procurement contracts go to Mipymes. Sosa Spínola believes that it is crucial to verify if this requirement is being met in Puebla.
Challenges in Implementing the Law
Sosa Spínola acknowledges that while there has been increased transparency in government contracts, it remains challenging to ensure compliance with the 80% Mipyme procurement target. He points out that businesses are sometimes reluctant to accept conditions related to pricing and payment terms.
- Price adjustments: The law allows for a 2-3% price increase to compete with other companies, but not all businesses are willing to participate under these conditions.
- Long-term contracts: Some suppliers are hesitant to lower their prices when they know they will have long-term contracts (up to one year) with government entities.
Ensuring Proper Supplier Selection
Sosa Spínola emphasizes that the revised law guarantees that winning bidders correspond to the actual activity being contracted by the government. Additionally, it ensures that suppliers are genuine sellers and not intermediaries.
Implications for Puebla’s Business Community
Sosa Spínola believes that while supplying government entities is not ideal, neglecting the rest of the market would be detrimental. He encourages Puebla’s entrepreneurs to capitalize on opportunities in supplying government invoices, but stresses the importance of consistency and careful consideration before becoming a supplier.
However, he acknowledges the difficulty in ensuring all procurement is local due to foreign companies that can manipulate prices more easily than Puebla-based Mipymes, which must carefully manage their finances.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Acquisitions Law? The Ley de Adquisiciones, Arrendamientos y Servicios del Sector Público Estatal y Municipal is a Mexican law that mandates government entities to prioritize contracts with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes).
- Why is compliance with this law important? Ensuring that at least 80% of government procurement contracts go to Mipymes supports their growth and contributes to a more balanced economy.
- What challenges does Sosa Spínola highlight in implementing the law? Businesses may be reluctant to accept conditions related to pricing and payment terms, making it difficult to meet the 80% Mipyme procurement target.
- What advice does Sosa Spínola offer to Puebla’s business community? Entrepreneurs should consider opportunities in supplying government invoices, but must be consistent and carefully evaluate their capacity to become suppliers.
