26 May 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Guam reported that the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) recently completed a three-day business mission to the U.S. territory where they explored opportunities for Philippine franchise concepts, both as potential players in the competitive franchise sector of Guam and for possible Filipino-American entrepreneurs who wish to invest in their hometowns in the Philippines.
The PFA delegation was headed by Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Samie Lim, together with PFA Director for Legal, Governance, and Ethical Standards Atty. Leo Dominguez. Representing two of the biggest franchise groups in the Philippines were U-Franchise Sales and Management President Sam Christopher Lim (representing Jollibee, Bo’s Coffee, and 360Fitness) and Max’s Group Inc. senior marketing manager for international operations Marc San Juan (representing Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House International, Yellow Cab Pizza, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Steak, and Le Coeur de France).
During their stay on Guam from May 06 to 09, the PFA team had a full schedule of meetings and events. They had business meetings with the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. The PFA delegation also conducted a market scan of the Agana Shopping Center and Micronesia Mall, as well as other possible standalone locations. The PFA delegation also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, who chairs the committee on economic development of the 33rd Guam Legislature.
“The Philippines and Guam have an excellent opportunity to deepen our economic relationship. Guam can serve as the platform for Philippine companies who wish to test their operational capacity before entering the U.S. mainland market, while the Philippines is the logical partner of choice for Guam companies that wish to access the ASEAN economic community,” said Mr. Samie Lim during the delegation’s meeting with Senator Rodriguez.
In his meeting with GVB Deputy General Manager Telo Taitague, Mr. Lim also noted how much the Philippines and Guam can help each other to boost each other’s tourism sector.
The PFA delegation also held a business forum and business matching session for Guam business people to know more about the different Philippine franchise brands, and a Franchise Investment Opportunities Seminar for the Filipino community.
At least two Guam businesses are seriously looking at expanding into the Philippines as franchise concepts with the help of PFA. Meanwhile, the PFA delegation, who now see very good potential for the Philippines and Guam to do business together, are looking forward to doing a follow-up visit later this year with possibly more PFA members. END