Background on Víctor Gabriel Chedraui and His Role
Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, the head of Puebla’s Secretaría de Economía y Trabajo (Sedetra), has taken a firm stance against illegal practices in the retail sector. Sedetra is responsible for overseeing economic and labor affairs within the state, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Investigation and Findings
Following anonymous complaints, Sedetra conducted an investigation into 16 Asian import stores located in Puebla’s central and peripheral areas. The inspection focused on labor conditions, revealing that these businesses were exploiting their employees by failing to uphold legal contracts, minimum wages, and proper working hours.
- Seized goods were found to be counterfeit, infringing on registered brands.
- Lack of proper instructions in Spanish for the seized products.
Government Action and Collaboration with Federal Institutions
In response to these findings, Sedetra collaborated with the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) and the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial (IMPI) to address the irregularities. The government aims to level the playing field for local businesses by ensuring that all retailers adhere to commercial standards and labor laws.
From January to April, Sedetra confiscated 136,000 products of Asian origin, mostly counterfeit and lacking Spanish instructions. This action targets both consumer protection and the promotion of a fair business environment.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Chedraui emphasized that the government will not tolerate any illegal practices, regardless of the size or contribution to local economy. He stressed that such actions negatively impact formal economic growth, which is essential for tax collection and job creation.
List of Suspended Asian Import Stores
Among the sanctioned businesses are Tesco China, Plaza Contigo, Xin Yuan Eléctrica, Plaza China, Honey Wale, D Moda, Importaciones C y M, Plaza China, and La Casa del Panda. Most of these stores have been operating in large spaces managed by individuals of Asian origin since approximately four years ago.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Víctor Gabriel Chedraui? He is the Secretary of Economy and Labor (Sedetra) in Puebla, responsible for overseeing economic and labor affairs within the state.
- Why were the Asian import stores investigated? Due to anonymous complaints alleging labor exploitation and sale of counterfeit goods.
- Which institutions collaborated in the investigation? The Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) and the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial (IMPI).
- What is the government’s stance on illegal practices? The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing that such actions harm the formal economy and will not be tolerated.
- Which stores were sanctioned? Tesco China, Plaza Contigo, Xin Yuan Eléctrica, Plaza China, Honey Wale, D Moda, Importaciones C y M, Plaza China, and La Casa del Panda.
