Many foreign enterprises, especially from the European Union (EU) and the United States, are looking for franchise partners in Vietnam, heard a press conference held in HCMC on Monday to introduce Vietnam International Retail and Franchise 2015 (VIETRF).

Nguyen Phi Van, chairwoman of Retail and Franchise Asia and partner of VIETRF 2015, said foreign companies are seeking to franchise around 40 goods and service brands in Vietnam and 90% of these brands are owned by firms in the EU and U.S.

According to Van, franchisers are active in sports, catering services, education, and training sectors. They include Tony Roma’s with more than 150 branches in 29 markets, Second Cup with 345 branches in over 20 countries, and Steak ‘n Shake with more than 500 branches in more than 10 countries.

These foreign companies want to find franchisees in Vietnam and other Asian markets as part of their strategies to shift business to this region as Europe and other parts of the world are still mired in difficulties.

In addition to 20 brands for which Retail and Franchise Asia is searching for partners, VIETRF 2015 will feature brands of other 20 foreign and domestic firms such as Jollibee, Lotteria and Snowee.

The five-day event will kick off at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in HCMC on November 5. It is organized by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), COEX, the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Co. (Vinexad) and the Association of Vietnam Retailers (AVR).

Around 250 businesses from 14 countries and territories will be participating in the 320-booth fair, up 30% compared to last year’s event.

In addition to retail brands, the exhibition will highlight machines, equipment and technologies such as POS machines, freezers and coffee machines.

Korea Sourcing Fair 2015 will also take place in the period and feature foods, drinks, household appliances, jewelry and decoration items, souvenirs and electronics of Korea.

SGT