Malaysian franchises eyeing UAE market

Malaysian companies are aiming to forge franchise partnership with UAE companies, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

Malaysian franchises, fast expanding their footprint into major consumer markets worldwide, are sensing further opportunities in the rising brand consciousness Gulf communities, said Dato Dzulkifli Mahmud, Senior Trade Commissioner and Trade Consul of Malaysia in Dubai.

Strong Malaysian brands will be showcased at the forthcoming Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE 2010) in Dubai. The exhibition will allow Malaysian franchises to explore and forge partnerships in the vast West Asian market, for which Dubai is the prime hub for networking and sourcing, Matrade, organisers of the annual event, said in a statement.

Malaysian franchises such as Nelson's, Daily Fresh Food, Marry Brown Fried Chicken, Kenny Roger's Roaster, Bonia, Clara Network, D'Tandoor, Smart Reader, Juke Box and World of Feng Shui are already present in the GCC.

"Malaysia is one of the foremost trading partners for West Asia. Our trade with the UAE stood at Dh16.5 billion during the first 11 months of 2009," said Dzulkifli.

Malaysian franchises will be an effective channel for introducing our business standards and values to the West Asian markets where the retail industry retains huge growth potential," Dzulkifli said.

One of the first Asian economies to have successfully adapted to globalisation and diversified its economy to varied goods and services, Malaysia is home to nearly 400 franchise systems, of which 262 are home-grown and the rest, foreign.

MSE 2010 will showcase the world-class capabilities of Malaysian companies specialising in eight service clusters – professional services; oil and gas; construction; information and communications technology; healthcare; franchising; education and specialised training and financial services.

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