MALAYSIAN FRANCHISE BRANDS AIM TO EXPAND FOOTPRINT IN WEST ASIA

DUBAI, March 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will showcase its leading franchise
systems at the third Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE) 2010 here next month, as
they sense further opportunities in the rising brand consciousness among the
multinational Gulf communities.

Malaysian Trade Consul in Dubai, Dzulkifli Mahmud, said the show would
allow Malaysian franchises to explore and forge partnerships in the vast West
Asian market, for which Dubai is the prime hub for networking and sourcing.

"Malaysia is home to nearly 400 franchise systems today, of which 262 are
home-grown and the rest, foreign.

"The strongest of these brands will be showcased during MSE 2010," he said
in a statement today.

The April 13-15 show, organised by Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation (Matrade), will be held at the Dubai International Convention and
Exhibition Centre.

According to Dzulkifli, Malaysian franchises with established international
operations included those in education, fashion, footwear, accessories, food
and beverages, hotels, eye care, beauty and healthcare as well travel services.

Leading Malaysian franchises such as Nelson's, Daily Fresh Food, Marry
Brown, Kenny Roger's Roaster, Bonia, Clara Network, D'Tandoor, Smart Reader,
Juke Box and World of Feng Shui are already present in the Gulf region.

Dzulkifli said Malaysian franchises would be an effective channel for
introducing the country's business standards and values to the West Asian
markets where the retail industry retained huge growth potential.

The trade consul observed that Malaysia was one of the foremost trading
partners for West Asia.

"For example, our trade with the United Arab Emirates, our number one
trading partner in this region, stood at 16.5 billion dirhams (US$4.5
billion)during the first 11 months of 2009," he said.

MSE 2010 will showcase the world-class capabilities of Malaysian companies
specialising in eight service clusters, namely professional services; oil and
gas; construction; information communication technology; healthcare;
franchising; education and specialised training; and financial
services.
-- BERNAMA