Record-breaking China Franchising Show Draws 24,000 China Entrepreneurs -- 80 Percent Plan to Invest in Franchises; 30 Percent to Spend Up to US$120,000

Global Sources Ltd.

HONG KONG, Dec. 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than 24,000 mainland China entrepreneurs visited the Eighth Annual Franchising China Conference & Exhibition -- up 18 percent from last year. A Global Sources survey shows that 30 percent of those who attended are prepared to invest up to US$120,000 in a China franchise, and 39 percent are willing to spend between US$12,000 and US$60,000.

The event was held Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in Beijing, Nov. 3 to 4 in Guangzhou, and Nov. 7 to 8 in Shanghai. It was hosted by eMedia Asia Limited, a joint venture between Global Sources and CMP Media.

Joint-venture president, Mark Saunderson, said: "This year's Franchising China was the largest in history. More than 130 franchising companies including 3M, Dicos, Office 1, Subway and TNT showcased their brands at more than 300 booths -- up 10 percent from last year.

''The event's success underscores China's growing affluence and entrepreneurs' rapid adoption of the franchising business format.''

Eighty percent of visitors ready to invest in top sectors: automotive, retail, education

Forty-two percent of visitors plan to invest in China franchises within the next six months, while 38 percent plan to do so within 12 months.

Twenty-four percent want to invest in automotive service franchises, 19 percent in retail stores and 16 percent in educational or business services.

U.S.-based restaurant chain, Subway, named this year's "No. 1 Franchise Opportunity'' by Entrepreneur magazine, took part in the event. Subway development manager for Asia, Jeffrey Yap, said: ''The quality of visitors this year is higher than ever. We received more qualified visitors and have signed up several new franchisees.''

Franchising China endorsed by International Franchising Association

Franchising China is the only such event in China endorsed by the Washington, DC-based International Franchise Association which represents 8,000 franchisees, more than 1,000 franchise systems and nearly 400 suppliers of related goods and services worldwide.

Representatives from IFA, the Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore and other franchising organizations attended the opening ceremony, with thousands of exhibitors, prospective franchisees, and the media. IFA chairman, Richard Rennick, gave the keynote speech.

Rennick said: ''Franchising is now the business design of choice, used in at least 75 different industries. Expanding franchising in China will surely provide long-lasting economic benefits for both companies and consumers."

Visitors cite quality, range of brands at Franchising China

Zheng Yuanxue, an official of China-based Jinan Chain Store & Franchise Association, said: ''Our association is planning to expand into second-tier and third-tier cities and I am looking for franchises that we can launch. I have found several interesting brands at the show.''

Zhou Ying, a private business owner, said: ''Franchising China exhibitors are very well-informed and several brands showcased here such as Express Salons are quite novel.''

Thirty-two percent of this year's exhibitors were food and beverage franchises; 17 percent, convenience store and retail franchises; 16 percent, business services; and 15 percent, educational businesses. The rest provide dry cleaning, furniture and interior decoration, beauty and health, and automotive products and services.

More than 1,800 learn more on franchising issues and opportunities

Franchising China lectures attracted more than 1,800 visitors looking to learn more on key franchising issues including how to build good relationships between franchisors and franchisees, and how to sign fair franchising contracts.

Visitors also attended seminars to find out more about specific products from franchisors including Advanced Learning Systems, Century 21, Charismatic Exchange, Corneil Language Training, Stonegrill, Tayohya Home Furnishings, Unisec Laundry and Value Source Houseware.

China's leading management magazine sponsors Franchising China

Franchising China is an integral part of Global Sources' integrated marketing offering in Asia and China.

Chief Executive China -- China's largest audited international business magazine -- and its online companion Chief Executive China Online, were the official media of Franchising China.

Chief Executive China publisher, Craig Pepples, said: ''Franchising China complements Chief Executive China and Chief Executive China Online in providing China's management community the best business opportunities and business education.'