CLDP hosted a delegation of 15 Tunisians focusing on franchising in Washington, DC and New York, NY June 11-17, 2012. The visit was part of a larger initiative aiming to liberalize franchising in Tunisia. CLDP has been providing technical assistance on franchising to the Government of Tunisia (GOT) for the last two years.

The delegation, composed of members of the GOT as well as representatives from Chambers of Commerce of Tunis, Sfax and Sousse as well as entrepreneurs, attended a three-day program in Washington DC, organized by CLDP, focusing on the basic concepts of franchising as well as the legal angles. Several franchisors and franchisees testified about their experience and answered questions from the participants. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) presented the Franchise Guarantee Fund under development, with an expected capitalization of $30 million. CLDP had side meetings with the members of the GOT to discuss specific next steps to reduce the restrictions imposed to certain franchises such as real estate and fast food.

The participants then traveled to New York, NY and attended the International Franchise Exposition, June 15-17, and participated in a number of seminars.