:: FIAF’s General Secretary participates of a Prospective Mission in America Central ::

During April 14 to 24, 2010, the General Secretary of FIAF – Ricardo Camargo, the Relationship Manager of the Brazilian Franchise Association, Rogério Feijó, and the Executive Director of the Guatemalteca Franchise Association participated of a prospective mission to Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Guatemala. That was the second visit of the entity to the region, whose objective of this mission was to know the market of Dominican Republic and El Salvador, because in October 2009, the group had already visited Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panamá to identify opportunities to the franchise sector.

These five countries together are parte of an important economic block of the region, representing more than 37 million inhabitants and a GDP around US$ 160 billion. These countries crossed years of military period, political and economic instability and now are searching for recover the lost years investing in a structured development, based in a young democracy, but compromised with the population interests. And it is in this process which has the opportunities for the companies, being franchises or not, because they are forgotten markets and low exploited, but with a great potential of consumption.

Open Mall Gran Via

Normally they are countries which offer low competitiveness, low level in the retail organization, shows difficulties to generate employments, revenue and professional qualification. Besides, they have an economy in developing, linked to the tourism industry, export of raw materials and services, as an example, telemarketing. Another common point in these countries is dependence on remittances made by migrants living in other countries, mostly in U.S. and Europe. The amount of funds injected into the economy moving retail and just easing the unemployment problem, since many families live on money sent by relatives.

El Salvador

The agenda focused mainly contacts with government agencies and local entrepreneurs, complemented by technical visits in each country.

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