Franchising Brasil — an internationalization program carried out in partnership between the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) — successfully concluded its most recent trade mission to China, held between September 7 and 15. With the participation of more than 15 Brazilian companies from the franchise sector, the mission reinforced the presence of Brazilian franchising in the Asian market.
The delegation, comprised of brands such as Buddha Spa, Cacau Show, CNA and 5àSec, had a busy schedule, visiting Shanghai, Beijing and Gubei. During the trip, the entrepreneurs participated in technical visits to e-commerce giants such as Alibaba and Pinduoduo, as well as soft landing workshops, which provided strategic insights for companies entering the Chinese market.
In Shanghai, business meetings focused on opportunities in the retail and e-commerce sectors, culminating in a visit to Greenland, a cross-border zone, where partnership possibilities were discussed. In Beijing, the delegation visited the headquarters of renowned technology companies, such as Tencent and Alibaba, and had the opportunity to discuss expansion opportunities for their brands.
In addition to the business meetings, the entrepreneurs were able to experience the rich Chinese culture, with visits to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The highlight was an exclusive dinner at the Made In China restaurant in Beijing, attended by the Brazilian Ambassador to China, who provided an in-depth overview of business opportunities in that country.
The journey ended in Gubei, with a cultural program including a Water Dance show and a drone performance, followed by a dinner on the rooftop of the Wtown Resort Hotel. At the final meeting, participants shared experiences and planned the next steps to consolidate their brands in the Chinese market.
Bruno Amado, executive manager of Franchising Brasil and International Projects at ABF, highlighted the importance of the mission: “We returned to Brazil with excellent prospects. The mission was essential to open doors and establish strategic connections that will certainly boost the presence of Brazilian franchises in the Chinese market.”
This was the first time that Franchising Brasil returned to China since 2019, when a similar mission took national brands to the Macao Franchise Expo. The business trip also included Shenzhen and Hong Kong, where participants completed a schedule of technical visits. With the success of this edition, expectations for the growth of Brazilian franchises in the Asian market are higher than ever.
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 internacional@abf.com.br.
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.