US Franchise Opportunities in Iraq

By John Lee.

On Monday, March 17, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires, John Desrocher (pictured), joined the Chairman of the Iraqi National Investment Commission, Dr. Sami Al Araji, to open a two-day series of “Developing Franchise Opportunities in Iraq” meetings in Baghdad.

The meetings offered 10 U.S. based franchisors, including Froots, Dr. G's, Dental Fix, Radio Shack, Nestle Toll House Café, Curves, The Claremont Group (Quiznos), Ramada, Boardwalk Burgers, and, Kout Food Group (Pizza Hut franchiser), the chance to connect with Iraqi businesspeople.

The National Investment Commission of Iraq hosted the meetings in cooperation with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service.

In his remarks at the opening session, Charge d’Affaires John Desrocher said:

“Today thousands of Iraqis live in the United States. Many more have visited or have friends or relatives in the United States. This has made many Iraqis familiar with U.S. products and they want to enjoy them here in Iraq. Franchising opportunities bring those products to consumers around the world, and meetings like this can start the process of bringing them to Iraq.”

Deepening the bilateral economic relationship is one of the key components of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. The franchise meetings helped reinforce U.S.-Iraqi economic ties and offered Iraqi investors the opportunity to network with U. S. companies that bring proven business models, expertise, world-leading technology, and innovative management and financing practices.

They also bring the highest international standards of corporate governance, work-force training, corporate social responsibility, and connectivity to the global economy.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)