PH Embassy in Santiago Links Philippine and Chilean Business Groups for Franchising Opportunities
(Right photo) Officials of the PHL Embassy, Philippine Franchise Association, and the Cámara Comercio de Santiago pose for a photo following their successful 1st online meeting.
SANTIAGO 01 August 2023 – As part of its series of economic diplomacy initiatives for 2023, the Philippine Embassy in Chile organized the 1st Philippines-Chile Meeting on Franchising via online platform between the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and the Camára Comercio de Santiago or CCS (Santiago Chamber of Commerce).
In her introductory remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Chile Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat underlined the Embassy’s intent to bridge and host the event “as an initial step to promote two-way entry of the Philippines’ and Chile’s most dynamic and competitive franchise offerings, as well as to increase familiarization between PFA and CCS, specifically through the latter’s Franchise Committee and members.”
PFA Chairperson Sherill Quintana discussed the history of PFA, most importantly its pioneering role as the home to the most trusted franchise brands in the Philippines, PFA’s membership in the World Franchise Council, and its active role as the current Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation.
PFA President Chris Lim highlighted why franchising is indeed among the most dynamic, fun, and lucrative means to penetrate and thrive in the Philippine market, and also provided a snapshot of the country’s competitive advantages which support consistent franchising income streams.
PFA also invited CCS and its members to consider sending a delegation to the landmark International Franchise Expo to be held in SMX Manila from 27 to 29 October 2023 and/or to the subsequent International Franchise Expo on 12-14 April 2024.
CCS Deputy Manager for International Affairs Ms. Elizabeth Lagos, assisted by Committee Manager Ms. Julia Vergara, provided a backgrounder on their chamber which has existed since 1919 and, to date, has a current membership of more than 2,500 large, medium, and small companies from cross-cutting sectors, such as: commerce, e-commerce, retail, transportation, communication, food and beverage, pharmacies, gyms, services, and many more. CCS also provided information on its small, but fast-growing roster of franchise members.
Ms. Lagos also said that “CCS admires the level of sophistication of the Philippine franchising industry” and lauded the PFA’s briefing as “an eye-opener on the many economic opportunities that the Philippines has to offer, particularly in the franchise business.”
As a means of moving forward with the partnership, PFA and CCS agreed to maintain their lines of close communication alongside the Embassy and to exchange additional information about each institution and their activities—especially the upcoming October 2023 and April 2024 Manila-based expos on the part of PFA. Upon the request of CCS, another online meeting will be scheduled well ahead of the April 2024 Franchise Expo, with PFA this time presenting the details of the said event directly to CCS’s franchise members.
Also in attendance during the recent PFA and CCS meeting were Executive Director Chit Estrada and Deputy Director Jake Santos from the PFA, and Minister & Consul General Jim Tito B. San Agustin, First Secretary & Consul Dennis John C. Briones, and Cultural Officer Brian Peter C. Bustamante of the Philippine Embassy in Chile. END
For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.