Franchising is a proven business model used to spur job creation and economic diversification. It brings about increased trade flows and viable foreign direct investment. Through franchising, countries are able to develop the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, align with international health and safety standards, expand access to global supply chain resources, and increase the skill set of the local labor force. Franchising is also a known catalyst for commercial diplomacy, enabling diverse cultures to find common ground through branded consumer goods and services.

CLDP has been supporting the development of a viable franchise market throughout the globe, including Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, and Georgia. CLDP, in cooperation with the International Trade Administration’s Franchise Industry Team, the International Franchise Association, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and local franchise associations, provides a wide range of technical assistance to foreign governments and prospective franchise investors, that aims to:

• Foster a legal and commercial environment conducive to franchising,
• Increase the capacity of local investors so that they can in turn acquire and sustain franchises in their market,
• Facilitate exchanges between franchisors and prospective franchisees, and
• Support U.S. franchisors’ expansion into new markets.