Mexico City, September 17 – The National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism of Mexico City (Canaco CDMX) has voiced its support for the digitalization of payments in Mexico. However, this endorsement comes with a significant condition: the proposed Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments must not create new burdens for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Canaco CDMX Backs Digitalization, Calls for Careful Implementation
The business organization emphasized that the transformation of payment methods has the potential to boost productivity, promote formality, enhance transaction security, and bring MSMEs closer to the financial system. This stance was articulated by Canaco CDMX on Wednesday, September 17, as discussions surrounding the new legislation continue.
Addressing the Realities of Small Businesses
Vicente Gutiérrez Camposeco, president of Canaco CDMX, stressed the importance of the legislative debate considering the real-world conditions faced by businesses, particularly regarding their access to technology, connectivity, and financing. He highlighted that the transition to digital payments should not exclude those with limited connectivity or increase administrative complexities for small enterprises.
Canaco CDMX views the initiative’s goal of expanding financial inclusion and facilitating banking services for businesses as favorable. The organization also appreciates the proposals aimed at reducing costs associated with electronic payments. Gutiérrez Camposeco asserted that the change cannot be limited to simply replacing cash with a terminal or an application, stating, “The digitalization of payments should not become an additional burden for small businesses.”
Benefits and Challenges of Digital Payments for MSMEs
The Chamber pointed out several potential advantages for merchants, including the opportunity to obtain their first bank loan, enhance the protection of their operations, and leverage existing national tools such as the Interbank Electronic Payment System (SPEI), CoDi, and DiMo. The new law could be beneficial if it genuinely reduces costs, helps build financial histories, and provides access to productive financing.
A central point of contention in the debate is the reduction of commissions. Canaco CDMX warned that small businesses would be unlikely to accelerate the adoption of technological means if the associated costs significantly diminish their operating margins. Mexico, they suggested, could draw from international experiences but must adapt any model to its specific economic characteristics, including the conditions of MSMEs and the unique aspects of Mexico City.
The organization also noted that a significant portion of the cash circulating in the local market is linked to illegal Asian trade, particularly in the sale of Chinese products.
Canaco CDMX Proposes Five Key Criteria for the Law
To ensure digital payments become an economic opportunity rather than an expensive obligation for small businesses, Canaco CDMX has put forward five criteria for evaluating the legislation:
- Real Cost Reduction for MSMEs: Digitalization must provide verifiable economic benefits. The organization advocates for competitive commissions, transparent fees, and conditions that foster competition among service providers.
- Effective Access to Productive Credit: Information generated from electronic transactions can help establish a financial history. Canaco CDMX emphasized that the use of this data must respect the privacy and data protection of each business.
- Recognition of Digital Divides: Technology adoption does not progress at the same pace across all sectors, regions, or company sizes. The entity urged that public policies not be designed solely from the perspective of medium and large companies.
- Gradual and Inclusive Implementation: The shift towards alternative payment methods must prevent small businesses, vulnerable consumers, and establishments in areas with limited connectivity from being excluded from the market.
- Fiscal and Financial Incentives: The Chamber proposed making it attractive for micro and small businesses to adopt these mechanisms. Options include tax deductions or preferential treatment for Income Tax (ISR) and Value Added Tax (IVA), under clear, simple, and verifiable rules.
Canaco CDMX reiterated its support for financing methods less reliant on cash and coins, promoting greater economic inclusion. However, it insisted that technological advancement will only yield positive results if it reduces prices, expands credit options, and enhances security.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/09/17/canaco-cdmx-advierte-sobre-el-impacto-de-la-nueva-ley-de-pagos-digitales-en-las-mipymes/
