Reaffirmed Commitment for Global Franchising & Licensing2003

Drawing a record number of buyers and investors, Global Franchising2002 won rave reviews from both exhibitors and visitors alike, following a successful showing. The premier Franchising trade event attracted 8,852 trade visitors from 40 countries such as Australia, Austria, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and the USA, amongst many others.

Reflecting strong Asian interest in this event, streaming into the hall packed with various Franchise concepts are investor delegations from India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. "This being my first visit to such an exhibition, I am here to look for new ideas and so far, I have gained quite a lot," said one of the investors from the Thai delegation, Mr Prateep Lojanatorn, Managing Director, Oriental Knowledge Language School.

With an estimated purchasing budget of US$505 million indicated by pre-registered visitors alone, the trade event is a repository of intense business activities and opportunities, flocked with potential franchisees seeking out business partners within a span of three short days.

Returning Exhibitors in 2003

Concluding Global Franchising2002 on another high note, exhibitors have indicated their strong interest to participate in the leading franchising and licensing trade event in 2003. Both Singapore and Thailand have already affirmed their commitment to stage a strong presence again next year by leading a pavilion of exhibitors.

"These few days have confirmed our earlier observation that the franchise industry has seen good progress over the years," said Mr Dhirendra Shantilal, Chairman, Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) (FLA Singapore). "Companies at the Singapore Pavilion have received strong interest from potential investors at the exhibition floor, as well as inspired homegrown enterprises to similarly expand their businesses overseas through franchising."

"Judging from the enthusiastic response, FLA (Singapore) will once again lead a pavilion of local companies to participate in Global Franchising & Licensing2003," he added.

Arriving at a similar conclusion is Ms Vilasinee Nonsrichai, Assistant Director, Thai Trade Centre, "The enquiries our exhibitors received showed that generally, visitors are very receptive to Thai products and services, especially in the area of food and beverage, water machines using innovative technology, as well as spa."

"Another possible reason for this strong interest could be that importing proven Thai business concepts into new markets offer business ventures that are highly rewarding financially," added Ms Nonsrichai. "In view of the show's success, we have already scheduled Global Franchising & Licensing in our year plan for 2003 with the support of the Department of Export Promotion, Thailand."

The portfolio of 143 companies from 18 countries showcased business concepts that ranged from food & beverage, child development, education & training, health and fitness, to household services. Companies and international brandnames come from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Spain, with Singapore, Thailand and USA leading strong exhibitor delegations at their respective country pavilions.

Said Mr George Paul, Deputy Chairman, New Zealand Natural, "This is a fantastic show. So far, we have probably sold four Master franchises in various countries. We have had lots of enquiries for single unit Franchises from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. I believe this show has really put us on the South East Asian map. We would expect to be back next year if we have anything left to sell!"

Speaking on behalf of the Indonesia Franchise Association is Dr Anang Sukandar, Chairman, Indonesia Franchise Association, "I am indeed very impressed by the turnout of the show. It is regretful that Indonesia did not participate this time, bypassing a very good opportunity to gain exposure in the region. We will, however, certainly devote our best efforts to organize a group of Indonesian companies to participate in the show next year."

Global Franchising & Licensing2003

Paving the way for this trade event to scale another height is the broadening of the show?s scope when it returns in 2003 as Global Franchising & Licensing. "As we edge towards a more open economy with intense competition, corporate expansion strategies correspondingly becomes more innovative," said Mr Ben Wong, Project Director (Lifestyle) of Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd.

"To better cater to and address a wider pool of companies, business expansion initiatives, the scope of the show will - in addition to franchising - encompass branding, patents, trademark and other transactions of intellectual property right, with a strong focus on licensing. This strategic decision to expand the profile is endorsed by FLA (Singapore), as well as corresponded by the industry feedback we received," he added.

Welcoming the broadened profile of the show is Mr Kullavat Vichailak, Franchise Director, The Pizza Company from Thailand, "The broadening of the show to include licensing will likely attract a more diverse portfolio of exhibitors. From the potential investors I have met, I can sense that they do have entrepreneurship on their minds."

Global Franchising & Licensing returns a more comprehensive event from 17-19 September 2003.