To support the development of US franchise opportunities in Iraq, the US Department of Commerce (FCS and CLDP), in cooperation with the Iraqi National Investment Commission (NIC), the US Embassy in Iraq, and the US Consulate in Erbil, organized a Franchising Program for representatives from Iraq’s private sector from June 16 – 21, 2014.

The U.S. Consultations featured 2 days of practical and effective training on franchising through interactive exercises and site visits, followed by participation in the 2014 International Franchise Expo (IFE) and business to business meetings with U.S. franchisors for relationship building, business matchmaking, and communication skills development. During the first two days, workshop speakers presented on topics pertaining to the legal and commercial framework necessary for franchising, including an introduction to the concept of franchising, how to negotiate and evaluate a master franchise, the fundamental terms and conditions of a master franchising agreement, and completion of a pre-application form for franchising.

The program was phase three of an action plan to develop franchise opportunities in Iraq that consists of three main phases; (1) support the NIC in identifying prospective franchisees, (2) train the prospective franchisees on essential franchise concepts, and (3) support a trade event / study tour that would also prepare prospective franchisees on the process of negotiating a franchise agreement.