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Agrobusiness |
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Consumer goods |
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Automotive, aeronautical, subcontracting, mechanics |
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Public works, construction, water and environment |
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Information technology, electronics, telecoms |
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Pharmacy, health, chemistry, biotechnologies |
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Textile, garments |
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| SECTOR PERSPECTIVES
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SERVICES |
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New services (trade, franchising) |
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Franchising has the advantage, compared to other more traditional forms of business, of experiencing a high rate of success. It is a proven model of the transfer of know-how, risk sharing and co-investment. Companies show an increasing interest in this formula. |
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Services: |
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News of the sector |
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Investment Opportunities |
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Documents |
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New services
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Presentation |
Franchising has the advantage, compared to other more traditional forms of business, of experiencing a high rate of success. It is a proven model of the transfer of know-how, risk sharing and co-investment. Companies show an increasing interest in this formula. The main advantage, is that the franchisee, while being the owner of his business, and legally independent, benefits from the know-how and the reputation of a brand. He gains time and money. Recourse to the master franchisee per country offers solutions for the development of national distribution chains for world brands. The majority of the Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, Malta, Israel, Tunisia, Morocco…) have joined in.
Other services experience strong growth, business counselling, consultancy, surveys which are developing strongly in Tunisia, Algeria and the Lebanon. In-company training is a sector with considerable potential in the whole region. The « mise à niveau » programmes is mobilising numbers of consultants in the framework of « country action plans » to be prepared in partnership with European Union, which started in 2004.
E-Business is little developed in the region, except in Israel. The low number of internauts, and especially the mistrust of remote payment systems, explain this situation. But there is no doubt that in the same way as other virtual activities (for example, call centres), e-distribution, e-learning and among others e-governance, etc… will develop rapidly in the MEDA region. |
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Country focus |
The number of franchised businesses on Cyprus grows relentlessly. This formula would seem ideal as way to gain a foothold in the market. In fact, it is almost entirely free of constraints. The consumer goods sector as well as the restaurant business are among the favourites with businessmen.
On Malta, the gradual opening up of the market has encouraged the multiplication in the number of franchises. On the other hand, foreign investors still have to face very restrictive practices. The only sector which escapes this rule: female ready-to-wear. The Maltese consider the local offer insufficient and therefore turn towards international brands.
Having made its appearance in Israel some twenty years ago, franchising has since had a real success. Among the main players in the franchise, are to be found fast food, clothing and the do-it-yourself sector.
In the last ten years, franchising has not stopped developing in the Lebanon: the number of franchisees has gone from ten or so in 1990 to more than one hundred in 2003. It has had a positive effect on businesses, by contributing to their modernisation. There exist some real opportunities. There are still domains to be explored, for example, in the service provider domain, such as cleaning, advice, counselling, as well as the automobile, household equipment fields …
Morocco has also witnessed the rapid development of franchising. But the speed with which this sector has developed has presented a few problems. A Moroccan federation saw the light of day in the Autumn of 2002. It fixed itself the task of giving a structure to the segment.
Since its appearance in 1986, franchising has experienced very strong growth in Turkey, with 65 to 70 % of the franchisees of foreign origin. Among the buoyant sectors are to be found catering and restaurants and clothing, but not alone. Different concepts may find important outlets on the Turkish market: the distribution of sports goods, cosmetics and services such as hairdressing, automobile repairs and postal services. University training has recently been introduced.
It is American brands that largely dominate the franchising market in Egypt: they are 35 of them out of a total of 40. Fast food and clothing are the two main sectors concerned by this system of distribution. The concept comes up against high level customs duties, especially for the ready-to-wear sector. Once Egypt implements its commitments vis-à-vis the WTO, between now and 2005, franchising should experience rapid growth.
Counselling activities are developing in Algeria: according to a recent survey undertaken by the World Bank, Algerian businesses have a strong need for training and counselling. This necessity is linked to the evolution of Algeria towards a market economy. Nothing prevents a foreign company from moving into this segment. It is not imperative to be resident on site.
The arrival of foreign businesses in Tunisia, which is used to using the services of consultants, has enabled the counselling phenomenon to develop. This also corresponds to the perspective of the free trade area with the European Union, the raising of standards in the SMEs, the promotion of exports and the search for new sources of productivity.
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