Thousands of China's Entrepreneurs Flock to 2nd Annual Asian Sources Franchise China '99

HONG KONG (December 8, 1999) - The 2nd Annual Asian Sources franchise China Conference & Exhibition (Asian Sources Franchise China '99) wrapped up its three-city tour, attracting a total of 12,426 Chinese entrepreneurs and investors to the show. Held in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai from Nov. 8-16, the event introduced international Franchising concepts to general managers, business owners and other executives with corporate-level decision-making power. More than 80 percent of attendees plan to invest in a new business within one year.

Jim Mayfield, Commercial Representative from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing said, "I was impressed with the turn-out. Given the growth of this market segment in China and obvious enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs, I expect the size of next year's show to increase. I hope American franchise firms realize this opportunity."

More than 60 companies from Europe, the United States and Asia participated in the show including Tricon Restaurants International (KFC, Pizza Hut), Century 21, Subway Sandwiches & Salads, Sign-a-Rama, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, Informatics and Lamex Holdings Ltd. Eighteen Singapore franchises, supported in part by the Singapore Trade Development Board, were featured in their own pavilion.

Many exhibitors have already closed deals with prospective franchisees they met at the event. Subway Sandwiches & Salads' development agent Jim Bryant said, "The response was phenomenal. We not only generated over 1,000 leads but are completing five franchise sales directly as a result of the Asian Sources franchise shows."

Ronald D. Ray, Director of Operations for Pizza Factory echoed the positive response saying, "We had a very successful show. In 14 years of doing franchise shows in the (United) States we have sold only one store. This is my first show and we sold two Franchises in Shanghai and in Xian, both being potential development agents."

In just two years, Asian Sources Franchise China has established itself as China's major, international event for franchising. Attendance for this year was double that of the 1998 show. Mark Saunderson, publisher of the event's official magazine Chief Executive China, said, "Exhibitors were extremely pleased with the quality of visitors at the show. The business people who attend Asian Sources Franchise China are eager and qualified to invest in new businesses. That's why exhibitors get such strong response to their business opportunities."

More than 1000 delegates also attended the show's conference program, learning franchising basics as well as how to develop a business using the franchise method.

Asian Sources Franchise China '99 was endorsed by 14 worldwide franchising organizations, including the International Franchise Association. Keynote speakers for the show included Ron Harrison, Chairman of the IFA and Leonard Swartz, Worldwide Managing Director of Franchise Services, Arthur Andersen LLP.

The 3rd Annual Asian Sources Franchise China Conference & Exhibition will take place in November 2000 in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. To date, 150 booths have been reserved for the exhibition. Further details are available at www.franchise.asiansources.com.

Founded in 1971, Global Sources' (formerly Asian Sources) mission is to be the essential infomediary and B2B market maker for volume buyers and suppliers worldwide.

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