THE Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is stepping up efforts to raise the global competitiveness of Philippine franchising as the global economy becomes more integrated. It is in this backdrop that the PFA is staging its annual show, the Franchise Asia Philippines 2015, from June 10 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. With the theme “Opportunities and Challenges in an Integrated Global Economy,” the event presents strategies, solutions and opportunities to help the Philippine franchise sector take full advantage of today’s increasingly integrated global economy.
Steering this year’s show are CEOs of some of the country’s top global franchise brands, led by Robert Trota, the overall chairman of Franchise Asia Philippines 2015. Trota is the president of Max’s Group which counts Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza as among its global brands. These brands are present in the US, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Max’s Group continues to seek global expansion opportunities for its portfolio of brands.
Expo Committee Chairman Jose Magsaysay Jr. has been successful in bringing Potato Corner to different parts in the globe. This Philippine franchise has outlets in Indonesia, Malaysia, Panama, the US and the Middle East. Dr. Alan Escalona, the Conference Committee chairman, is looking forward to the opening of Fruit Magic stores in the Middle East soon.
“With the impending Asean Economic Community [AEC] plus other free-trade agreements [FTAs] that our country has entered into or will eventually be part of, it is evident that the global economy is shifting toward greater liberalization and freer trade, which can also mean greater competition,” PFA President Franklin Go said. “That is why we hand-picked these gentlemen to lead Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 to show that the only way for Philippine franchising to survive and thrive in this age is to become global brands,” Go noted.
Co-presented by BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan, PLDT SME Nation, Smart and Sun Cellular, Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 will feature a two-day international franchise conference on July 10 and 11; a three-day international franchise expo from July 18 to 20; franchise educational seminars from July 18 to 20; and, the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program on July 16 and 17. Noted franchise expert Harish Babla will be the program speaker and facilitator for this year’s CFE program.
The event is supported by 7-Eleven and The Generics Pharmacy, (Platinum); Coca-Cola and Qualiplus (Gold); Max’s Group, Goldilocks, Meralco SME, All Day, Mister Donut and Francorp Philippines (Silver); Potato Corner, Farmacia ni Doc, PR Gaz, Mini Stop, HBC, Crystal Clear and Blooming Ventures (Bronze). The mall partners include SM Supermalls, Araneta Center, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, Walter Mart and Star Mall. AM Cleofe Prints is the official printer.
Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 is also supported by the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation.
For inquiries, e-mail pfa@pfa.org.ph (general inquiries); international@pfa.org.ph (conference); or pfafranchise@pfa.org ph (expo). Photo shows Trota (center), Magsaysay (left) and Escalona.