May 20 2012 |
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Beirut International Franchise Forum is to take place in Beirut on 23-24 of this month, May 2012
Under the Patronage of the President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Mr. Najib Mikati
Organizing committees of Beirut International Franchise Forum BIFEX, the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA) and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, held a press conference at Phoenicia Hotel announcing forum's proceedings to take place on the 23rd and 24th of May 2012 at the Phoenicia Hotel-Beirut, Lebanon.
The President of the Lebanese Franchise Association Mr. Charles Arbid and the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki took part in the press conference, in addition to the Deputy President of the Association Ms. Madiha Raslan, General Secretary Mr. Rachwan Miknas and General Manager Ms. Farah Chaaban.
The forum is to host more than 250 Arab businessmen, from the region and abroad, who will be presented with the opportunity to exchange experiences and success stories with their counterparts.
Chief Executive Officer of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki began press conference by recognizing and appreciating the efforts made by the Lebanese Franchise Association. He stated that the LFA was able to produce a fast and steady progress in emphasizing the importance of franchise and has inspired leadership and innovation within Lebanese companies in this domain. Mr. Abou Zaki attributed this success to the dedication and hard work of the LFA headed by President Charles Arbid.
Abou Zaki: "Franchising is a method that has long been used by companies in industrial countries around the world as they invest in their success and individual brand to obtain more revenues by allowing third party investors to adopt this brand with its products and services and thus spreading them to new markets, and yet allowing third party activities to remain under technical and quality control.
There is no doubt that franchising activities of foreign companies in Lebanon have motivated local companies to follow in their footsteps; following the franchising rights given to Lebanese franchisees and investors by international companies to operate in Lebanese and Arab markets, and after the achieved success in this domain, local companies continued to evolve and develop and have now achieved remarkable success allowing them to give their own franchising rights to expand their businesses on a regional and international level."
Abou Zaki concluded by saying that this conference is the first step for encouraging and developing the franchising business in Lebanon and the region due to its crucial role in diversifying and expanding Lebanese and Arab businesses, and its vital contribution to the development of numerous services and production sectors, encouraging leadership, and stimulating economic activity.
This forum is held at a time of difficulty for Lebanon and the Arab world, and yet the private sector has become accustomed to working and taking the necessary measure amidst impediments and challenges.
Arbid:
The President of the Lebanese Franchise Association Mr. Charles Arbid stated: "we hold this forum in cooperation with Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, which has a long history in organizing the most successful and important events on a regional and international level. This cooperation between the association and the Group is the direct result of a mutual strong belief in the significance of this event, and the importance of presenting the "true face" of the innovative and creative Lebanon, despite the enveloping conditions.
BIFEX this year holds great importance as it comprises of diverse and crucial topics to be addressed by experts in the field, and since it takes place at a difficult period, a period we all feel and recognize is of great impact on our economy: withering resilience, and declining economic and social indicators.
But as franchisors, we will not give up. This sector has proved its resilience, attained through its distinguished qualities and added value and through the consistent efforts of its people and their unwavering faith which enabled it to withstand the crises and ensuing challenges.
We do not deny the scale of the crisis, but we are accustomed to facing such challenges; we are dedicated to preserving our sectors and will not give up on our role in maintaining productivity and ensuring that existing jobs are secured as well as creating new job opportunities. That's why we reiterate that we will face crisis and with productivity, work, perseverance and exporting all that will reflect the true image of our country. But do the policy makers of this country realize the extent of the looming dangers?"
He added: "The private sector has always been faced with challenges, and yet has always been capable of surpassing them. However, today, conditions have changed and what we need now is to join our efforts together to overcome crisis and regain hope, so relieve us of these burdens so we can work, for it is only through work, production, innovation, and determination that we can continue to develop, flourish and excel."
This year, BIFEX is launched under the theme "The Retail Industry" and will pose important topics dealing with market trends and products, of direct relevance to the franchise industry and the various economic sectors.
LFA General Manager Ms. Farah Chaaban stated that BIFEX's agenda includes 5 panels to be held over the span of two days, and revealed the names of prominent speakers representing leading corporations.
She also added that forum topics include:
- Role of Shopping Malls in Promoting Brands & Concepts
- Branding: The Cornerstone of Success
- Franchising: A Possible Solution for Hotel Owners in Lebanon
- Bringing the Customer Closer: E & M-Commerce;& Social Media
- Branding Valuation: The Next Step Forward
© Press Release 2012
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