Arab Brand Institute launched by LFA

The Arab Brand Institution was launched yesterday during the BIFEX 2015 forum by the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA).

This institution aims at creating and developing Arab brands with a high competitive edge. It will offer training, mentoring, counseling, and consulting services to Arab brands willing to build a strong name and value in their own countries, regionally, and worldwide.

Raja Habre, Executive Director of the LFA said that the institution will guide brands in moving from point A to point B successfully, and will help them establish their companies in the right way. “The institution will provide networking and exposure to Arab brands and will also put them through to potential investors,” he said. The institution caters mostly to entrepreneurs and startup brands that require support and assistance, according to Habre.

The institution will be based locally. It will have a structured management with an executive board and with representatives from the private sector from various Arab countries, including chambers of commerce and franchise associations. “So far, KSA is a member of the institution and we will be working on gathering interested countries at the soonest,” he said. Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE are next.

According to Habre, discussing subscription or service fees is still preliminary. “After announcing the concept, we have moved to the second phase, which includes the action plan,” he said. This plan includes finding the right funding methods and potential investors. “Securing funding will allow us to provide our services at minimal fees,” he said.