About The Franchise Trade Mission to Mexico
The mission will begin in Mexico City, where participants will attend market briefings by Embassy officials, meet with government and industry contacts at networking events, and participate in personalized one-on-one business matchmaking meetings with potential local and regional investors. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to attend FIF (Feria Internacional de Franquicias), Latin America’s definitive franchise expo, which typically hosts more than 20,000 visitors and is recognized by franchisors as an effective gateway to international expansion. A presence at FIF will enhance opportunities for trade mission participants. (U.S. companies seeking to exhibit at FIF can visit the show website at http://www.fif.com.mx). The mission will continue with an optional spin-off visit to Monterrey, where additional matchmaking meetings be organized.
Trade Mission Schedule
Mexico City:
March 3, 2010:
Arrive in Mexico City
Evening Business Networking Reception
March 4, 2010:
Embassy Briefing on Franchise Market in Mexico (Breakfast)
Matchmaking Appointments (One-on-one business meetings)
Franchise Expo
March 5, 2010
Matchmaking Appointments (One-on-one business meetings)
Franchise Expo
Optional Monterrey Spin-off:
March 8, 2010
Embassy Briefing on Franchise Market in Monterrey (Breakfast)
Matchmaking Appointments (One-on-one business meetings)
Why Expand Your Franchise to Mexico?
Today there are nearly 1,000 franchises in Mexico – ranking the nation seventh in franchises in 2008 by the World Franchise Council – due to market maturity, strong legal framework, support from the government, and franchise certification programs.
Mexico’s strong commercial ties to the United States and recognition and acceptance of U.S. brands make Mexico a natural path for expansion into Latin America. Mexico’s strong legal framework and large and diverse market offer numerous opportunities for U.S. firms looking to expand abroad. 65% of Mexican franchises are domestic and 21 % U.S., making the United States by far the largest international provider of franchises. The International FranCorp ranked Mexico as the 10th best country in the world in 2008 for penetration through franchises, with one franchise for every 800 citizens.
Both Mexico as the gateway to Latin America, and the Feria Internacional de Franquicias (FIF) in particular, attract prospective investors from Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, all in search of opportunities to develop their respective markets. With the franchise sector still demonstrating 10 percent growth in 2009 and the AMF prediction that the size of the Mexican economy will still allow for double the number of current franchises, Mexico offers numerous economic opportunities for U.S. franchisors looking to expand internationally.
For more information on the franchise sector in Mexico please see our Franchise Sector Market Report
Who Should Participate?
U.S. Franchisors already doing business with Mexico as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter the Mexican market are encouraged to apply.
Participation Costs
The participation fee for the Mexico City portion of the mission is $2,305.
Mission participants will have the opportunity to take advantage of additional business matchmaking in Monterrey, available for $1,400.
* Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant *
Registration
To register please fill out the following form
More Information
Please Contact:
Martha Sanchez, Franchise Specialist
011 (52) 55 5140-2621
Martha.Sanchez@mail.doc.gov
Kristin Houston, Franchise Team Leader
(949) 660-1688 x314
Kristin.Houston@mail.doc.gov