By Vivek, Chandigarh, June 18: Asia’s largest Franchise and Retail Show along with Startup Entrepreneurship Summit opened here today at Hotel JW Marriott. Vikram Hans, Chairman of CII Chandigarh Council, Paramjit Singh, Principal Consultant, Regional Centre of Entrepreneurship, and Manish Trehan, CEO of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship jointly addressed media during the welcome address to mark the occasion. A Franchise India initiative, the show is being held in association with the Government of India’s Ministry of MSME and Indian Franchise Association, showcasing 75 national and international brands, looking at expansion opportunities in north India. Speaking on the occasion Vikram Hans said that the services sector is contributing to 73% of national GDP and northern region is catching up with the trend, providing opportunity for many national and international brands to expand here.
Ritu Marya of Franchise India said that there had been a growth of 30 to 35 percent in franchise business in the country in last five years, and Punjab remains the best starting ground for any national brand while entering the Indian market. Health and Wellness, beauty, luxury and education sectors are the most popular business options that entrepreneurs are exploring today for Punjab, she added. She said that today in the country the three most important markets for setting up business are Pune, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.