Kuala Lumpur, 15 Nov 2024,
The Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA), alongside 10 Malaysian franchise companies, is set to participate in the MIHAS@Dubai programme, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), from 18 to 20 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The participating Malaysian franchises include CheeseU, CIC Where Leaders Are Born, Coolblog, Irispro, Marrybrown, Mokti’s, Muzart, Secret Recipe, US Pizza, and Q-Dees.
The franchise trade mission to Dubai aims to expand market opportunities and drive the growth of Malaysian franchise entrepreneurs internationally, while strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission will include a range of activities, such as business exhibitions, roundtable discussions, forums, and industry visits. The programme will also highlight the competitive advantages of Malaysian brands with potential for expansion in sectors such as food, education, beauty, health, and services.
MFA Chairman, Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan, expressed that this mission provides Malaysian entrepreneurs with exposure to the dynamic UAE market, equipping them with crucial information about opportunities and challenges in the global market. He added that the UAE serves as a strategic gateway to broader markets in the Middle East and North Africa, which will positively impact Malaysia’s economic growth.
“This initiative aligns with the National Franchise Policy, which aims to expand the Malaysian franchise network internationally. It also provides local entrepreneurs with opportunities to build strategic relationships and understand the needs and preferences of consumers in Dubai,” he said.
The Malaysian delegation will include officials from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), SME Corp, and SME Bank. Also joining the mission are representatives from 16 companies under the umbrella of these agencies.
A representative from Secret Recipe shared, “We are honoured by the opportunity provided by KUSKOP and MFA to support our efforts in promoting the Halal Secret Recipe brand, a source of pride for Malaysia. This trade mission programme not only allows Secret Recipe to showcase our products but also fosters collaboration and strategic relationships with other international brands in the same industry. We are excited to explore opportunities in the Middle Eastern market, which is rich in diversity and holds immense potential for growth.”
Similarly, a representative from Q-Dees expressed that the company aims to promote the Q-Dees brand and expand its business network with international companies in Dubai. “The Trade Mission programme is a valuable platform for Q-Dees to showcase our capabilities in the global market.
Participation in this programme opens doors to new business opportunities, provides insight into international market needs, and helps build strategic relationships with potential customers and partners. The positive impact of our participation includes increased brand recognition, new business prospects, and strengthening our competitiveness in the international arena.”
MFA also announced that several international trade missions, including specialised business missions (Business Matching), will be carried out throughout 2025. These missions are scheduled to begin in February and will target countries in East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.
MFA is confident that the implementation of this programme will open up new opportunities for Malaysian franchises and enhance the competitiveness of local franchises in the global market.
Source: Business Today
Full Article: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/11/15/malaysias-franchise-sector-eyes-middle-east-growth-at-mihasdubai/