Franchise Expo 2010 to showcase rising economy

MANILA, Philippines - The forthcoming Franchise Expo 2010 of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will virtually confirm the sustained growth of the franchise industry and the continued vigor of the domestic consumer market as it is poised to become the biggest ASEAN franchise event thus far.

PFA chairman emeritus Samie Lim said this positive development stemmed from the increasing remittances of overseas Filipino workers, the rebound in exports, sustained inflow of foreign tourists, a vibrant business process outsourcing sector and continued government spending in infrastructure enabling franchised businesses to expand.

“All these signs of economic rebound are building up the confidence of our industry players and the many entrepreneurs wanting to join the franchise bandwagon,” Lim pointed out.

“Thus, we expect to post the biggest participation thus far in our Franchise Expo this year with 336 booths and 30,000 visitors,” Lim added.

An integral component of Franchise 2010: The 18th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo (PIFCE), Franchise Expo 2010 is slated at the SMX Convention Center on July 16-18, which will occupy over 10,000 square meters of exhibit space, virtually providing a sneak preview of the Franchise Asia 2011 that will be held in Manila on Sept. 21-25 next year, according to PFA chairman Robert Trota.

Constituting Franchise Expo 2010 are colorful exhibits of local and international franchises, exciting business presentations, and vigorous industry networking and marketing activities.

“There’s a pavilion for almost every field of interest. We have the Incubation and Emerging Concepts Area, the Young Entrepreneurs and Women Entrepreneurs Sections, the International Pavilion, and the Franchise Pavilion,” PFA vice chairman Bing S. Limjoco said, adding that many surprises await both exhibitors and visitors, including new business ideas and concepts.

All types of allied and support services will also be available, making Franchise Expo 2010 a complete one-stop shop for business development and joint business ventures, according to PFA president Yvette Pardo-Orbeta.

“Franchise Expo 2010 will be a substantially different franchise event in both content and significance,” Orbeta pointed out.

Organized by the PFA, the expo is designed for new entrepreneurs, budding enterprises, and established small and medium enterprises eyeing new areas for business expansion. Moreover, this annual event traditionally serves as the venue for starting a business, networking with suppliers and forging bonds with prospective local, foreign and transnational joint-venture partners.

To know more about the event, visit www.franchise2010.com and register on-line for special admission rates. Other expo details can be obtained from the PFA Secretariat (tel. 6870365 to 67, or e-mail [email protected]), or through the exhibit management team Global Link MP Events (tel. 750-8588 or e-mail [email protected]).