IFA Promotes Franchise Model To Chinese Delegation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2009 —The International Franchise Association today hosted over 20 leaders from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Chinese companies at its headquarters in Washington to exchange best practices and marketplace solutions to promote franchising in the United States and China.
“We are honored to host the Chinese delegation as part of our ongoing outreach efforts to promote the importance of franchising to the global economy,” said IFA Vice President of U.S. & International Development Scott Lehr. “Promoting fair franchise laws around the world and fostering a greater understanding of the franchise model helps governments understand how franchise businesses can grow and sustain healthy economies around the world.”
Lehr explained that the meeting was part of an ongoing partnership between the U.S. and China to promote the franchise model. The Chinese delegation was organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China in coordination with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Lehr, along with IFA Vice President of Government Relations David French and IFA Educational Foundation President John Reynolds, updated the delegation on U.S. issues impacting franchising and the economic impact of franchising in the United States. They were also joined by Philip Zeidman and Toa Xu from the law firm of DLA Piper who updated the group on franchising laws worldwide.
“The meeting was very helpful in understanding the challenges and opportunities for U.S. companies to expand into China,” Lehr said. “We are hopeful that the more Chinese officials learn about the sound rules and regulations we have in the United States, the more they improve their own laws and regulations to promote franchising.”
China’s GDP is $7.8 trillion and is growing at a real rate of 9.8 percent per year. China is one the fastest growing countries for expansion for franchising. China franchise systems grew to 2,800 by the end of 2007, an increase of 7.7 percent over the year before. The total number of the commercial franchise outlets in China exceeded 230,000 at the end of 2007.
Source: The International Franchise Association
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