MFA to Introduce Business Matching Programme at FIM 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) will introduce a business matching programme during the three-day Franchise International Malaysia (FIM 2012) exhibition beginning July 6. Chairman Abdul Malik Abdullah said the business matching programme would serve as a platform for local entrepreneurs to meet with foreign companies to discuss possible collaboration. The franchising industry constitues about 12 per cent of the Malaysian retail sector. Todate, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Greece have confirmed their participation in the exhibition. "We hope small-and-medium entrepreneurs will take the opportunity to expand their business overseas by collaborating with foreign companies," he told reporters on Monday. Abdul Malik hoped more deals would be concluded during FIM 2012 after the introduction of the business matching programme. He also said 66 per cent of 120 booths at the exhibition have been taken up by local companies while international exhibitors accounted for the remainder. "This will be the biggest FIM held, thus far, and we expect about 12,000 visitors," he said. In conjunction with the exhibition, MFA will also organise a conference on "Transforming The Economy: The Franchising Way". Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will deliver a keynote address entitled, "Of Business & Entrepreneurs: The Silver Lining Within". -- BERNAMA