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-Editorial
On March 14, 2025, Octavio Sandoval officially assumed the position of president of the Mexicali Business Coordinating Council (CCE) new board of directors for the 2025-2026 term in a swearing-in ceremony that gathered local businesspeople and leaders. During his address, Sandoval did not hesitate to criticize the situation facing Baja California, emphasizing the urgent need for checks and balances to the state government and greater commitment to development promises. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of the business sector being the voice of those who are afraid to speak, ensuring that he will work in coordination with the 15 business organizations representing their interests.
One of the key topics he addressed was the pollution in Mexicali, which has reached alarming levels due to the inaction of all three levels of government. Sandoval pledged to seek solutions in collaboration with authorities and other sectors to reverse this crisis. Additionally, he pointed out that another significant challenge is the road infrastructure, which urgently needs improvement, as well as adequate access to public health services and the obstacles businesses face when dealing with local and federal bureaucracy, such as electronic signature procedures.
The newly elected president of the CCE also referred to the serious security problem affecting Baja California. He mentioned that year after year, violent homicides of businesspeople and citizens occur in broad daylight, which hinders the social and economic development of Mexicali. “As long as we cannot guarantee security, we cannot aspire to a more prosperous society,” Sandoval stated.
Meanwhile, the outgoing president of the CCE, Manuel Elizondo Lomelí, reflected on his management, highlighting the strategy to strengthen the CCE. Of the nine organizations initially part of the council, today there are fifteen, including organizations representing customs agents, livestock, agriculture, and private schools, significantly expanding its influence in the region.
A key moment in the event was the speech by Kurt Honold, Secretary of Economy for Baja California, who spoke about the importance of the binational alliance between Baja California and California, particularly in the automotive industry. He explained how, within this framework, recycled steel used in vehicle manufacturing is sent to Mexico for reuse, boosting the sector’s growth and improving the region’s productive capacities. According to Honold this type of cooperation not only benefits businesses but also contributes to sustainable development and environmental impact reduction, offering a clear example of the economic interdependence that characterizes the relationship between the two countries.
Another crucial topic Sandoval addressed in his speech was the negative impact of tariffs and trade barriers imposed by some countries, especially the United States. According to Sandoval, 80% of Mexican exports have been affected by protectionist policies that make it difficult for national products to access international markets. This phenomenon has stalled the growth of key industries in Baja California, posing an additional challenge for local businesspeople. “Tariffs and trade barriers are hindering the progress of our economy, severely affecting the competitiveness of our exports and the development of new opportunities,” Sandoval stated, emphasizing the urgent need to seek alternatives to mitigate this impact.
The event also served as a platform for Sandoval to reiterate his commitment to being the voice of businesspeople in Mexicali and a liaison with various government actors, both local and federal. “It is necessary for all of us to work together to overcome the obstacles hindering the development of our region, and the business sector must be an active part of the solution,” Sandoval concluded. With this new presidential term at CCE Mexicali, a renewed focus on unity and collaborative action to improve the living and working conditions in Baja California is expected.