Egypt to host World Franchise Council meetings, Nov. 17-19

CAIRO – 30 October 2018: Cairo will host the meetings of the World Franchise Council (WFC), represented by the Egyptian Franchise Development Association (EFDA), as well as 46 global franchise association representing 43 countries in addition to the Asia-Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC), the European Franchise Federation (EFF) and the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD).

The meetings are being held in conjunction with the 16th franchise exhibition held, between November 17-19 in Cairo. The exhibition is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly.

Chairman of the Egyptian Franchise Development Association, Tarek Tawfik, stated October 9 during a press conference that the extraordinary event, which will see 46 franchise associations and important entities globally that represent thousands of franchises around the world, poses as a great opportunity for franchises to represent their brands and to expand their activities by participating in the exhibition held during the same period.

Tawfik pointed out that the meetings for the World Franchise Council come at the same time as the annual international exhibition for franchises. He added that the exhibition aims to offer a wide range of local and international commercial opportunities. The event, he explains, is an excellent platform for international and local exhibitors to enter into business deals with investors.

In similar vein, Doctor Hatem Zaky, Secretary-General of the World Franchise Council, said that the meetings of the World Franchise Council is being held in Cairo for the first time since the council was established in 1994 in order to raise awareness and promote the Franchise system worldwide, as well as to facilitate best practices in the management of Franchise associations, and to encourage countries that do not have an association for franchises to create one.

Zaky noted that the latest survey conducted by the World Franchise Council, among its members, to measure the economic impact of franchises worldwide showed that the council represents about 40,000 international brands, with 2.6 million units or shops, around the world, producing approximately 2.7 percent of the global gross national product (GDP). Also, the brands employ some 29 million directly.

The Secretary-General added that franchises guarantee the opportunity to expand the brand beyond its borders and markets, meaning that the product is open to consumers from foreign lands. This is beneficial for local economies.

He added that today, franchises play a greater role than ever before in the global economy.

Zaky also pointed out that this year’s conference with is being held under the title, ‘Social Franchise and Sustainable Development’, will include two meetings with a number of ministers; the first will discuss the relation between social responsibility and social franchises, and the second will look at the impact of franchises on economic empowerment, social welfare and job creation.

In March 2017, the Egyptian Franchise Development Association (EFDA) was elected by an overwhelming majority as the Secretary General of the World Franchise Council for two years.

The World Franchise Council (WFC) was established in 1994 with the aim of raising awareness and promoting the Franchise system worldwide, as well as facilitating best practices in the management of franchise associations among members. It also aims to encourage and motivate countries that do not have franchise associations to establish them.

As for the Egyptian Franchise Development Association (EFDA), it was established as a non-profit civil organization (No. 518) in 2001 with the explicit purpose of encouraging investment through the franchise system and sharing international expertise with actors in the Egyptian market. It has been a member of the WFC since 2005.