Asean integration feared to flood Phl with foreign brands

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines can expect a “tsunami” (tidal wave) invasion of foreign brands that will come with the formal integration of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into a single common market or Economic Community of 600 million consumers later next year.

Needless to stress, the invasion brings with it not just challenges but vast growth opportunities as well.

Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), said a “tsunami of foreign brands is coming because of the confluence of things including the Asean integration, our economic growth and the fact that the Philippines is seen as the most-fertile ground for franchising in Asia.”

Lim, universally acknowledged as the “Father of Philippine Franchising” and the chairman of BLIMS Lifestyle Group and Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute, noted that people around the world are now looking at Asia as the main growth area, globally, and the Philippines as Asia’s entry point.

Compared to its other Asian peers, Lim said, a lot of factors augur well for Philippines which has the most-mature franchising industry, most number of certified franchise executives (CFEs) outside the United States and an English language-proficient labor force, among others.

“The world is now looking at Asia, and they are looking at the Philippines as the incubation center. They will go first to the Philippines to increase their revenues, get the right manpower and then expand to the rest of the region,” he stressed.

This is why, he added, this year’s staging of the Franchise Asia Philippines (FAPHL) International Franchise Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from July 18 to 20 is bound to be the biggest ever, especially in terms of participation of foreign brands.

“This (FAPHL 2014) is going to be the biggest ever. There will be an increase of 400 percent in terms of foreign brands exhibiting. They will come from the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong,” he projected.

“To me this is a milestone, a turnaround event. For the locals they will see foreign brands coming in, and for foreign brands, they will see how advanced we are, and rich in opportunities and concepts” he enthused.

Richard Sanz, chairman of the international franchise expo, earlier said FAPHL 2014 is a compelling event for serious trade buyers and entrepreneurs who want to take the franchising route because of the good mix of local and international brands across different segments that are exhibiting.

“We expect about 500 brands and 60,000 visitors in this year’s international franchise expo. Indeed, this is the best venue to explore business opportunities in franchising. Visitors will get to interact with the franchise owners, themselves, and ask them questions personally. There will be concepts that are emerging and successful, as well as international brands that desire to penetrate the Philippines and Asean markets,” Sanz said.

The expo features food, non-food, incubation and emerging concepts via a food street, petro pavilion and allied suppliers. Its international area will present country pavilions from the US, UK, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among others.

Expo visitors may likewise register and participate in the Educational Franchise Seminars to learn about Master Franchising 10; How to Franchise Your Business for MSMEs; and How to Invest in the Right Franchise.

Co-presented by BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan, PLDT SME Nation, and Sun Cellular, FAPHL 2014 is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Go Negosyo as partner organizations, and 7-Eleven, Smart, Seaoil (Platinum), The Generics Pharmacy, Meralco, Caltex, Qualiplus, Family Mart (Gold); Max’s Restaurant, Goldilocks, Mister Donut, Phoenix, Pepsi, Francorp Philippines (Silver); Bibingkinitan, Monterey Meatshop, Mini Stop, Shakey’s, Wendy’s, Potato Corner, Hungry Juan, PR Gaz, HBC, K2 Drug, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Farmacia ni Dok, Philippine Business Bank, All Day Convenience Store, Crystal Clear, Blooming Ventures (Bronze); Bench, Sportshouse, Your Own Time, Jollibee, Burger King, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon and Oryspa as Donor Sponsors. –(The Philippine Star)