Market intelligence seen as key to competitiveness

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) has advised local entrepreneurs to prepare for the next wave of foreign brands that will enter the country, through constant retooling and market intelligence.

Samie Lim, the recognized “Father of Philippine Franchising,” said the scheduled integration of Southeast Asia into a single market in 2015 presents a formidable challenge for existing businesses in the country to gear up and face tougher competition from other brands in the region.

“It is but prudent for local brand owners to continuously check out competition and learn the latest trends globally. The PFA is aware of this, which is why we have put together anew a distinguished line-up of local and foreign experts that will speak in the two-day Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 International Conference at the SMX Convention Center on July 17 and 18,” Lim said.

Lim, PFA chairman emeritus, will set the tone for the plenary session on day one of the conference by making a presentation on the “Global Franchise Trends and Opportunities.”

The conference is a major component of the 4-in-1 Franchise Asia Philippines 2013, organized by PFA and co-presented with BPI Family Ka-Negosyo, PLDT SME Nation and Sun Cellular, the biggest and grandest franchising event in Asia today with its banner theme â€œAsia to the World, The World to Asia: Driving Growth Towards a Philippine Tiger Economy.”

“This year’s line up of speakers will tackle the latest trends and developments in the franchise sector, local and international,” Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 Overall Chair Franklin Go (VP-Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc) shared.  Its banner theme highlights the positive economic outlook in Asia especially the Philippines, which, according to economists is now an economic success and on the road to becoming a tiger economy and a preferred investment destination in Asia soon.

Alan Escalona, president of Fruit Magic and chairman of the International Conference, said Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima will keynote the event and will enlighten the participants on the strengths and potentials of the Philippines as a good and attractive investment destination.

Stuart Jamieson, managing director of Nielsen Philippines, an expert on consumer insights and buying behavior, will talk on “The Changing Consumer Behavior -- A Global and Local Insight,” while Ma. Teresa “Matec” Villanueva, chairperson of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4A’s) of the Philippines, will share her vast experience in the advertising industry and talk on “Brand Strategy on a Tight Budget”.

ABS-CBN Foundation’s Regina Lopez will talk on the relevance of social entrepreneurship as she is expected to share the foundation’s various social Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 is supported by the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation. Its Media Partners include GMA, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Bulletin, Business World, Inquirer.Net, Entrepreneur Philippines, RJ 100 FM, The Inquirer Group, Inquirer Catalyst Media, Cebu Daily News, Panay News, Inquirer Libre, DZIQ 990 AM, Asian Journal Publications, Website Express.Biz; Balikbayan: The Asia Journal Magazine; Mall Partners: Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, SM Malls, Trinoma, Araneta Center, Star Mall; Event partners: Mindgate, AM Cleofe Prints, Ad-Man Resources Inc, Chase Technologies Corp., Commerce Asia Inc. and Jimac.

Online registration is now available at www.franchiseasiaphl2013.com.ph; www.pfa.org.ph. Early bird for the conference (PFA member-P6,500; Non-PFA member-P7,650; Int’l rate-$180) is on or before June 15, 2013. For inquiries, call PFA at (632) 687-0365 to 67 or (63917) 832-0732, or e-mail [email protected].