MRCA launches its first MIRF

KUALA LUMPUR (May 19): The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) launched its first Malaysia International Retail, Franchise and Licensing Fair (MIRF) today. MIRF will be held from March 3 to 6 next year at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.

“MIRF 2016 is a gathering for retailers in Malaysia and from abroad, particularly from Asia, such as Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China,” said MRCA council member Liew Bin (pictured). Retailers can register for participation by contacting the MRCA.

The MIRF is endorsed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-Operatives and Consumerism, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion Taiwan, Japan External Trade Organization and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Liew Bin said that apart from retail, franchise and licensed businesses, the association aims to attract the participation of “e-tailers”.

“Online retailers and e-commerce are very popular, especially with the younger crowd, which we also hope to draw to the fair,” he said.

The association is targetting more than 250 exhibitors from across Asia and over 30,000 visitors.

In conjunction with the fair, there will be two speakers from the retail industry and eight successful entrepreneurs at the retail conference to be held on the second day of the event. The list of speakers is still being finalised.

Liew said Malaysia has many good brands but lacks growth platforms for the retail industry. He hopes the fair can be a platform to expand franchising opportunities.

More details can be obtained from www.mirf.my