MANILA, May 11 (PNA) — As the country holds the Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 next month, local franchisers are urged to set their sights on other Asean markets that present very good expansion opportunities.
Samie Lim, acknowledged as the “Father of Philippine Franchising” and chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), said Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia are the new frontiers that Filipino franchisers should tap in expanding their market reach.
“Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia, these are virgin markets for us, so I’ll tell our people to stop looking at New York or other distant markets,” Lim stressed.
Lim is one of the PFA stalwarts who thought of organizing the annual Franchise Asia Philippines.
This year, the event will have four components: the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program on June 8 and 9; the International Franchise Conference on June 10 and 11; the three-day International Franchise Expo on June 12-14; and the Educational Seminars simultaneous with the Expo on June 12-14.
PFA, the country’s pioneer and largest franchise association, is holding the show in cooperation with BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan, PLDT SME Nation, Sun, Smart and ePLDT.
Lim said only a handful of American brands are in Myanmar right now because of the trade sanctions. In the next five years, however, when more Americans come in, there will be no more room for Philippine franchise brands there.
Currently, Lim said Thai firms are invading Myanmar, “but these are not as good as ours.”
Myanmar, which has a population of about 60 million, is being regarded by Thai companies as a province of Thailand.
Those that are going there are provincial brands of Thailand, which cannot penetrate Bangkok. It is easier for them to cross the border to Myanmar, Lim said.
“Our brands, whether food or fashion, will be the high-end brands there. But there is no intellectual property law as of now, that is the caveat. The key is to have a partner who can protect you and not take advantage of you, not use you,” he explained.
Lim added he is also excited about the franchising prospects in Vietnam so he is going there in a few weeks.
He noted that it’s a good thing that the government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Center of International Trade Exposition and Mission (CITEM), is now supporting the PFA in its campaign to “export” Filipino brands through participation in franchise shows in different countries.
“We had pavilions in Indonesia and Dubai…we will do that more often. In Indonesia we brought 10 brands. CITEM shouldered the pavilion and promotion. We used our connections there and they (Indonesians) supplied the models. There was a fashion show of Philippine clothes with Indonesian models,” he narrated.
For the Franchise Asia Philippines 2015, Lim said the conference component will be another must-attend event for franchisers and those who want to expand their business via franchising.
Among the topics to be discussed in the super sessions are Opportunities and Challenges in an Integrated Global Economy; The CFO Forum: Managing Growth; The CMO Forum: Marketing Strategies for Different Generations; The CEO Forum: Failure is not an Option amidst Globalization; Retail 2025 – Reconfigure for Success; Emergence of a New Franchise Leader in a Chaotic World; the Future of Digital Marketing and its impact to Business, among others.
Concurrent Breakout sessions will also be conducted by industry experts in the following topics: Traits of a Successful Leader; Inspiration and Insights from Successful Franchisees; How to Stay Relevant Amidst Changing Consumer Behavior; People Recruitment and Retention; Think Big: Creative Social Media Campaigns; Overcoming Tax Issues in Franchising, Latest Trends and Innovation in Store Design Efficiency and Creating Loyal Customers.
The expo is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors and would-be franchisees, who can explore unlimited business opportunities from homegrown and international exhibitors coming from the food, retail and service sectors.
The event is supported by 7-Eleven, Megaworld Int’l., The Generics Pharmacy & Seaoil Phils. (Platinum); Coca Cola & Qualiplus (Gold); Max’s Group; Goldilocks; Meralco BIZ Partners; All Day; Mister Donut; Farmacia Ni Dok; Francorp Philippines & Pepsi Cola (Silver); Potato Corner; PR Gaz; Mini Stop; Jollibee; Wendy’s; HBC; Bibingkinitan; Philippine Business Bank; K2 Drug; Crystal Clear & Blooming Ventures Inc. (Bronze).
The Mall Partners include Araneta Center, Ayala Malls (Glorieta, Market-Market, Trinoma), Robinsons Malls, Walter Mart, SM Supermalls and Star Mall.
Event Partners: AM Cleofe Prints, Corporate Pisanti, Commerce Asia, Inc, Chase Technologies Corp., Globaltronics, Inc., Jimac Inc. & Sportshouse. Donor Sponsors: Bench; Duty Free Phils., Giordano, Kambal Pandesal, Oryspa & St. Francis GenericDrug. Partner Organizations: Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Go Negosyo; Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) & Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).
Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 is also supported by the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation. (PNA)