Doha: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced that it will participate in Qatar’s first Franchise Conference and Expo 2020 as a support sponsor. Organized by Ibhar for Exhibitions, in cooperation with their strategic partner International World Franchise Associates (London), the exhibition will be held at Sheraton Doha Hotel on the 27th of January 2020.
The exhibition aims to support Qatar’s local firms to attract international brands considering to invest in the Qatari market. It features various industries including clothing, accessories, food and beverages, health and beauty, and education services.
The expo showcases a wide range of foreign franchises, as well as companies offering consulting and support services, providing current and potential franchise holders with a great opportunity to explore successful and mutually beneficial business opportunities.
Commenting on the participation, Tarek Fawzi, General Manager of QIB’s Wholesale Banking Group, said: “QIB is sponsoring the exhibition as part of its strategy to support activities that enhance economic growth and empower entrepreneurs, thereby promoting diversification in the Qatari economy. QIB provides support, finance and consultation to corporate businesses, including Small and Medium enterprises (SME’s), across various sectors, providing growth opportunities to investors”.
The expo’s organisers stress that the favorable economic growth in Qatar encouraged many regional and international retail chains to establish presence in the country. They strongly believe that Qatar, with a growing population, a rapidly growing economy, and the highest GDP per capita in the world, presents tremendous opportunities for businesses looking to expand internationally.
The franchise economy in the Middle East and North Africa is worth $30bn and is growing by 27 percent per year. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are at the forefront of the growing franchise economy in the Mena region, with more than 50 percent of retail sales being generated from international brands.
