From September 7 to 15, Franchising Brasil — an internationalization program carried out in partnership between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) — will lead a group of Brazilian entrepreneurs on a strategic immersion in the Chinese market. The trip will include technical visits to leaders in e-commerce, franchise operations, local retail and shopping centers in Shanghai, Beijing and Gubei.
The delegation will be comprised of representatives from renowned franchises such as Buddha Spa, Cacau Show, Chiquinho Sorvetes, CNA, Mundo Verde and 5àSec, as well as consulting firms and law firms specializing in international expansion. Representing ABF, Cristina Franco, President of the Board will be present; Bruno Amado, International Projects Manager; and Caroline Graciane, Relationship, Events and Sales Manager, who will provide initial guidance and outline the agenda, which will include an introduction to the Chinese market and its opportunities.
In Shanghai, the entrepreneurs will participate in a Soft Landing workshop, where experts will discuss strategies for entering the Chinese market. Technical visits to the operations of companies such as Alibaba and Pinduoduo will provide valuable insights into the e-commerce landscape in China. In addition, the delegation will visit Greenland, a cross-border zone, to explore the business opportunities available.
The mission will then head to Beijing, where participants will visit the headquarters of technology giants such as Tencent and Alibaba, and will have the opportunity to explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. A highlight will be a special dinner at the Made In China restaurant, followed by a talk on business opportunities in the country, with the presence of the Brazilian Ambassador to China.
The mission will end in Gubei, with cultural activities such as a Water Dance show and a drone presentation, as well as a rooftop dinner at the Wtown Resort Hotel. The journey will conclude with a final meeting, where participants will be able to share their experiences and plan the next steps for expanding their brands in the Chinese market.
“The China Mission will be a unique opportunity for Brazilian entrepreneurs to get to know one of the most dynamic markets in the world,” says Bruno Amado, executive manager of Franchising Brasil. “Our goal is to open doors and create strategic connections that can boost the expansion of Brazilian franchises in Asia, taking advantage of the enormous potential that the Chinese market offers,” he concludes.
Franchising Brasil’s last mission to China took place in 2019, when the delegation visited Macau and Hong Kong. These regions, important financial and commercial centers, offered opportunities for franchise expansion, with Macau standing out in tourism and entertainment and Hong Kong as a global business hub.
About Franchising Brasil
Franchising Brasil is a project that aims to support the internationalization strategy of Brazilian franchise networks and their commercial promotion in the main international markets. The initiative is a partnership between ABF and ApexBrasil, which works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy through trade promotion actions. To participate, simply download and fill out the membership form available on the website and send it to [email protected].
About ABF
Founded in 1987, the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) is a non-profit entity that officially represents the Brazilian franchise system. Its mission is to defend, promote and foster the sector, nationally and internationally, so that it remains prosperous, sustainable, innovative, inclusive and ethical. With more than 35 years of history, ABF enjoys great prestige and a consolidated image in the market, being also the headquarters of the Ibero-American Franchise Federation (FIAF), leader of the World Franchise Council (WFC) Task Force, member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and responsible for the largest franchise fair in the world, the ABF Franchising Expo.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve its objectives, ApexBrasil carries out diversified trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and valuing Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and commercial missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian production structure among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazil brand. The Agency also works in a coordinated manner with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.