We must not deny the fact that the world is currently experiencing, probably the worst financial crisis ever in its history. The economic growth rates of almost all countries are shrinking to a record low, and some even projected to nose-dive into a negative growth. The economic giants in the West are also likely falling into recession. The bleak economy has no doubt severely impacted almost all businesses. Companies collapsed, and people lost their jobs and earnings.

Nevertheless, the franchising industry is still believed to project positive growth. During the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, the franchising industry worldwide had registered a 3% rise. Besides, a 2008 report by the International Franchise Association (IFA) also found that the US franchise industry still grew by more than 18 percent and over 140,000 franchise establishments and 1.2 million new jobs were created despite the US economy was facing uncertainty in 2001 to 2005.

Recently, leaders of the World Franchise Council in a meeting convened in Paris also demonstrated their high conviction that franchising business is still competitive and poised to grow, even if it is not in double-digit. The confidence was based on it possesses a set of strong, tried and proven system, low risk and is also the best business model to weather the global economy. Franchising is also said to be a better way of doing business even during a dampened economy.

In Malaysia, we do not keep out from this trend. The government realises that franchising could be a engine of growth and is always been supportive in the development of the business. The franchising development portfolio, which was recently relocated under the purview of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (MDTCC), is targeting to nurture 50 new homegrown franchisors and 1,000 franchisees under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010).

In order to give a boost to the industry, a comprehensive long term masterplan – the Franchise Blueprint – is also in plan. Due to the government’s franchise friendly policies and various schemes introduced to help the entrepreneurs, Malaysia is able to compete and take its place among other nations in the region and globally as a lucrative and energetic destination for franchisors and franchisees. Furthermore, the move to liberalise economic sectors also gives an advantage to the players to consolidate and expand their businesses.

With the global economy kicked to the curb, now is a good time to invest in franchising. It is believed to be the best business model at this uncertain moment especially for those who have some money, wanting to start a business but do not have the experience and know-how, or even for those who were retrenched and accepted voluntary separation scheme (VSS).

Visiting a trade fair is essential. Aspirants could obtain the first-hand information, meeting and talking to the franchisors besides acquiring for financial assistance and consultation. It is economical as it offers ready-made solutions, for free-of-charge.

The Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) exhibition and conference is timely to be a valuable avenue for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore into the business world. Being the only franchise expo here, this is an event inextricable with the growth of the franchising industry in Malaysia and has over the past 15 years gained sustained momentum in spearheading the expansion and dynamism of the industry.

Last year’s event was an achievement that we can all be proud of. The FIM2008 gained significantly which had recorded 111 exhibitors, about 10,000 quality visitors of whom 35% were international participants, as well as RM283.3 million of overall business transaction. The exhibitors were from 12 countries like the U.S., Australia, Italy, U.K., France, South Africa, Japan, Brazil, Egypt, UAE, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Germany. And the organiser believes that these numbers will still be maintained this year despite the current dire circumstances. The MFA is confident of achieving some RM300 million worth of business deal this year as it believes that the franchising industry has still plenty of room to grow.

This internationally-acclaimed franchise tradeshow, which was ranked four-star by the World Franchise Council, is aimed at upholding the franchising industry in Malaysia and also to cultivate more entrepreneurs via franchising. Jointly organised by the MDTCC and MFA, it is a melting pot that assembles key players from all over the world including over 20 eminent speakers who will be addressing pressing issues related to the franchise industry, sharing ideas and experiences.

The show embraces exhibition, conference, workshops, seminar and also programmes specially tailored for the benefit of foreign delegates. It has programmes that foreign delegates can meet with Malaysian government officials to get the latest franchise overview of Malaysia, shopping complexes visits, a reception dinner, KL/Putrajaya city tour and selected franchise outlets visit.

While the exhibition is an all-in-one franchise solution centre that you can find franchisors, master franchisees, consultants, legal firms, government agencies, financial bodies, property developers as well as media partners gathering under one roof providing the best one-stop service to those intending to jump onto the bandwagon of franchising. The organiser invites the relevant industry movers and shakers to participate in the FIM 2009 as your pathway to global ventures. As such, the MFA believes that FIM2009 will be an exciting platform to encourage more foreign investors in the country to boost the local franchise industry and make it more
competitive globally. So, what are waiting for? Join this three-day event from July 31^st to August 2^nd at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. We will assure you with a fruitful outcome!