PFA Boosts Efforts in Promoting the Philippines as an Investment Destination

Photo shows PFA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim answering questions fielded by the forum audience during the country focus forum held at the Franchise Expo Paris 2013. The other countries which presented their respective franchise investment opportunities were Germany, Poland Turkey and Morocco.

With the continued rosy prospects in the economy bolstered by the recent upgrade to investment grade by Fitch Ratings, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is stepping up efforts to invite investors to explore expansion opportunities in the country.

“We want to strike while the iron is hot,” said PFA President Yvette Pardo-Orbeta. “The Philippines is definitely in a sweet spot for investment and now is the time to plant the seed of investment to obtain an optimum harvest.” To do this, PFA continues to participate in strategic international franchise shows to proclaim to the world that the Philippines is no longer the sick man of Asia but Asia’s new tiger economy.

Among the international franchise shows where PFA participated was the recently held Franchise Expo Paris 2013, the biggest franchise show in Europe and one of the most awaited international franchise events in the world. The said show boasted of more than 400 exhibitors from France, Europe and even across the globe. It also attracted more than 30,000 quality visitors. It should be noted that France has the biggest franchise industry in Europe with a turnover of 50 billion euros. The event was organized by the French Franchise Federation (FFF).

As a member of the World Franchise Council (WFC), PFA had the opportunity to promote the Philippines to the European community as an investment destination at the said event. Mr. Samie Lim, PFA Chairman Emeritus, together with speakers from Germany, Poland, Turkey and Morocco, joined the select country presenters on the franchise landscape and opportunities of their respective countries.

Representing Asia and the only non-European among the presenters,  Mr. Lim got the most number of inquiries from the audience, an indication of the growing interest in the Philippines and in the region among investors. The PFA booth likewise promoted and received inquiries on Philippine investment opportunities.

As a result, the franchise association of Ukraine extended the invitation to Mr Lim to be a speaker in their conference thus underscoring the growing importance of the Philippines as a player in global franchising.