Emirates Franchise Association Opens Pavilion At Istanbul International Franchise Exhibition To Promote Emirati Brands

The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA) has launched its pavilion at the 23rd International Franchise and Commercial Agencies Exhibition in Istanbul. This event features 14 prominent UAE entrepreneurs and brand owners. Supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and various UAE Chambers of Commerce, this initiative aims to enhance the global presence of Emirati brands and encourage international business collaboration.

The pavilion was inaugurated by Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Türkiye, alongside Noor Al Tamimi, President of the EFA, Maher Al Aleeli, Vice President, EFA Board members, and representatives from the Ajman and Fujairah Chambers of Commerce. The theme "Be Your Own Franchise" highlights the EFA’s dedication to expanding Emirati brands internationally and fostering trade cooperation between the UAE and Türkiye.

Al Dhaheri emphasised that the EFA’s participation underscores the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. He highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in expanding global brand footprints. He also reiterated the UAE Embassy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic cooperation and shared prosperity.

Noor Al Tamimi mentioned that the exhibition provides a significant opportunity to showcase Emirati products and services on a global scale. It also helps in forming high-quality business partnerships that boost the competitiveness of UAE enterprises. The Emirates Franchise Association pavilion garnered considerable interest from visitors who appreciated the creativity and professionalism of Emirati participants.

The delegation plans to engage in several bilateral meetings and site visits with Turkish companies. These include a session with the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore potential collaborations in retail, hospitality, food, and services sectors. This approach aims to identify new avenues for cooperation between businesses from both nations.

The franchise sector in the UAE is experiencing rapid growth, with over 600 franchise companies and 2,000 brands generating annual revenues exceeding US$27 billion. The sector records a compound annual growth rate of about 15 percent. In contrast, Türkiye’s franchise market is valued at around US$55 billion, comprising over 3,700 brands.

Fostering Regional Market Integration

This exhibition serves as an ideal platform for fostering partnerships and advancing regional market integration. By bringing together key players from both countries’ franchise sectors, it facilitates discussions on potential collaborations that could benefit both economies.

The event not only highlights existing opportunities but also paves the way for future collaborations that can strengthen economic ties between the UAE and Türkiye. Through such initiatives, both nations aim to enhance their respective franchise sectors while promoting mutual growth and prosperity.

With inputs from WAM