Forum in Rosarito addresses security, tourism, border crossings, taxes and real estate concerns
Business owners, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs and real estate professionals from the region brought a range of social, economic and political concerns to Senator Max García during a forum held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
The meeting took place in the Maya Room at the invitation of Gustavo Torres Ramírez, president of CANACO, and focused on issues affecting the local economy and business community.
“Without security, there is no economy,” García said during the forum. The senator serves on the Senate Commission for Northern Border Affairs and attended the meeting to hear concerns and suggestions from members of the local business community.
García discussed several initiatives he has presented, including a proposal to provide tax incentives to companies that hire workers over the age of 40. He said a significant portion of Mexico’s population is already over that age and that the demographic trend is expected to become more pronounced over the next decade.
Another proposal would establish an 8 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in Mexico’s northern border region rather than requiring the incentive to be renewed through annual decrees.
The senator also said additional initiatives are being prepared to address real estate fraud. These proposals would seek to address issues involving property claims and changes to cadastral records, with the stated goal of preventing property seizures and protecting the assets of families, particularly older adults.
Local business representatives also asked García to help bring greater federal tourism attention to Rosarito. Among their requests were increased tourism promotion and federal support for beach cleanup efforts. Participants recalled that similar efforts in the past had brought federal tourism authorities to Rosarito to promote tourism and economic development.
Another concern was the time required to cross Mexico’s northern border checkpoints. Business representatives asked the senator to help seek measures that could make border crossings more efficient, noting that visitors may face delays both when returning to the United States and when entering Mexico.
They said extended wait times can reduce the amount of time visitors spend in Rosarito and other local destinations.
Participants also raised concerns about the financial burden of municipal and state taxes, as well as the cost of permits required for businesses to remain in compliance and avoid fines or closures.
The forum provided local business representatives with an opportunity to present their concerns directly to a federal representative and request follow-up on issues affecting tourism, commerce and economic activity in the region.