Malaysian delegation recently participated in the China Franchise Expo 2011. The participation is in line with the country’s mission to expand into the franchise market in China. Headed by the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it was the first time for Malaysian franchise companies to join the expo.
Business expedition to Asian countries headed by Trade Minister
Ismail Sabri is optimistic that Malaysia will benefit from the 13th edition of expo since this is regarded as one of the most important in the industry as more than 200 companies worldwide including United States, South Korea, Taiwan and Russia were also part of it. Through the participation, Sabri hopes that Malaysian companies will invest in China by using the franchising approach.
Previously, Malaysian franchise holders had visited China on their own but this was the first time they came as a group and thus, it brought bigger impact. Prior to the exhibition, 16 Malaysian companies have already operated their business in China.
According to Ismail Sabri, there were 300,000 registered types of franchises operating in China by the end of 2008 making the country number one franchise market in the world. During the three day expo, 17 Malaysian companies participated in various areas such as food and beverage, services and education.
During the expo, the companies’ officers would have a meeting with representatives from the Franchise Association of China to search for possible opportunities in their own home country. Ismail Sabri added that Malaysia had an advantage to expand in the franchise business in China as Malaysians can speak Mandarin fluently thus eliminating the language barrier.