Instead of job hunting, overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who were affected by the global financial downturn can engage in franchising and create more jobs in the process.

According to Mr. Samie Lim, chairman of the Philippine Franchise Association, (PFA) in an interview with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau during the World Franchise Council (WFC) meeting and Franchise Expo Paris in Paris last March 12, there are three specific businesses that Filipinos can engage in, which would not require huge capital. These are food, fashion, and service sectors such as health and beauty salons. Furthermore, Mr. Lim said that expanded franchising businesses in the Philippines can create an estimate of 100,000 jobs this year.

Aside from OFWs, displaced workers who have enough savings and good network with potential business partners may also consider venturing in the franchising business.

Meanwhile, a week before the WFC, OFWs in Paris attended the Financial Literacy and Wise Investment Seminar organized by the Philippine Embassy, in cooperation with PFA and sponsored by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, the representative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in France. The event taught the participants on how to start their business and basic information on franchising.

As a way to further teach Filipinos on the benefits of franchising and as an alternative for OFW, he PFA will spearhead the 17th Philippine International Franchise Conference & Expo slated on July 1 – 5, 2009. For more information, visit the PFA website at http://www.pfa.org.ph/