Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
The business landscape in Mexico has turned grim, with a growing number of companies, both large and small, operating under the constant threat of organized crime. The situation has reached alarming levels, where drug trafficking has evolved into a network of criminal gangs that extend their control over any economic activity that provides them with income. From assaults on restaurants and grocery stores to attacks on the supply chains of corporations, insecurity has become a common phenomenon affecting the daily operations of businesses. Recently, violence has claimed the lives of business leaders who have dared to raise their voices against insecurity. Minerva Pérez Castro, leader of the Fishing Chamber of Baja California, was murdered hours after calling for increased surveillance along the coasts to curb illegal fishing. Just weeks later, Julio César Almanza Armas, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Tamaulipas and Matamoros, was the victim of an armed attack after expressing that business owners are hostages of criminal gangs. These events highlight the high cost of speaking out in a society where fear has silenced many. Extortion, theft, and attacks on supply transport are part of the daily reality for many entrepreneurs and workers in the country. Larger companies often find ways to adapt to this reality, while small and medium-sized enterprises face an uncertain future, with a higher risk of disappearing under such pressures. The situation is further complicated by surveys indicating that a high percentage of businesses have fallen victim to theft or extortion. Despite these adversities, Mexico remains an attractive destination for foreign investment. The country has surpassed China as the main trading partner of the United States, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has positioned Mexico as an alternative for companies seeking to diversify. Foreign direct investment has grown even in states with high crime rates, highlighting a complex relationship between the economy and security. However, the perception of insecurity continues to be a challenge. Carlos López Portillo, director of the consulting firm Crisol, points out that the institutional response to violence is inadequate and that judicial processes do not function properly. This generates uncertainty among entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the country, leaving them wondering whom to turn to for protection. Nevertheless, many continue to bet on Mexico's economic development, driven by its proximity to the United States. An emblematic case of this contradiction occurred when Femsa announced the temporary closure of 191 Oxxo branches in Nuevo Laredo for security reasons, just as it revealed an expansion project in the United States. Large corporations have the resources to adapt to complicated environments, while small businesses lack such options, leaving their owners vulnerable to crime. The impact of violence is not limited to the business sector; ordinary citizens also suffer the consequences. The prices of basic goods have risen, partly driven by the extortions faced by farmers and distributors. Juan Carlos Anaya, an agricultural consultant, warns that between 15% and 20% of the price increase is due to the fees they must pay to operate. Ultimately, consumers bear the brunt of this reality. The statistics are discouraging: most extortion crimes go unpunished, and figures indicate that there is an average of 31 victims of extortion daily. The lack of action by authorities discourages those who might report, perpetuating a cycle of silence and complicity. Often, the fear of retaliation is stronger than the need to seek justice. The situation serves as a reminder that the Mexican economy, which heavily relies on micro and small enterprises, faces a monumental challenge. These businesses are responsible for a significant portion of employment and the country's Gross Domestic Product. However, if violence and extortion continue to go unaddressed, the future of these companies becomes uncertain. In a context where the political class is aware of the gravity of the situation, the need for an effective security strategy becomes imperative. Mexico's economic prosperity depends not only on foreign investment but also on the capacity to protect its citizens and entrepreneurs from the violence that has marked the country's recent history. Insecurity is not just a crime problem; it is an obstacle that interferes with the growth and development of a country aspiring to consolidate itself in the global economy. Without decisive measures to curb crime, the future of entrepreneurship in Mexico will remain at the mercy of bullets.