Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that China's retail sales for the first half of 2007 reached US$ 555.2 billion, for a year-on-year increase of 15.4%, the highest growth since 1997. The huge potential of China's retail market is attracting the attention of leading international and local franchises.

To facilitate this huge growth, B2B media company Global Sources will host the 10th Annual Franchising China Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing in November 2007. Franchising China was the pioneer in introducing international franchise exhibitions to China in 1998. It has since become the region's premier multinational franchise event and a prime location for big brands seeking business partners. As a result, the event has earned the repeated support of international associations such as the International Franchise Association (IFA), the Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore (FLA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). Furthermore, the show has received the US Department of Commerce's trade fair certification.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Franchising China, Global Sources will release a special publication on franchising containing interviews of successful franchise brands by leading experts and senior journalists. The publication will be distributed with the November issue of Chief Executive China. During the Franchising China shows in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, conferences and Franchise Opportunity Seminars will give participants an in-depth look at hot topics in franchising, and create the opportunity for networking between franchisors and potential investors.

Franchising China exhibitors come from the US, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries, representing industries such as retail, food, education, training, business services and more. More than 20,000 visitors attended the 2006 Franchising China exhibition, 80% of whom were senior managers. Visitor numbers are expected to rise to 24,000 at Franchising China 2007.

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Date: 07/08/2007
Source: InfoFranchise Press

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