Unionized labor in Tecate does not represent a major impediment to new starts or expansion. Every national union in Mexico has some representation in Tijuana, including the CROM, CRCC, COR, and of course the largest state-run union, CTM. The large Japanese and Korean manufacturers in Tijuana have resisted the unions successfully by hiring new workers from Tijuana's abundant labor pool.

BCN has often been ruled by the PAN party, an exception from the national control of the PRI. Local government in Tijuana is expectedly pro-business and pro-maquila, and promotes rapid industrial expansion in the outskirts of Tijuana. San Diego City Council is also pro-expansion in the Otay Mesa Industrial Parks.

The WMTA, Western Maquila Trade Association, with its 200+ memberships, is active in lobbing for and promoting the maquiladora industry in both BCN and California. The State of Californa Department of Commerce is also well funded and is reliable resource for new business information.