The webinar titled “Investment Opportunities and Franchise Sector in Germany” was organized in cooperation with the Reliable Product Platform, UFRAD Franchising Association and Franchise Expo Germany.
In the webinar chaired by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, it was emphasized that Germany is the largest and most stable franchise market in Europe with more than 1,000 brands, 140 thousand businesses and an annual volume exceeding 135 billion Euros. In order for Turkish brands to gain more recognition on a global scale, effective use of the franchise system and strategies for expansion to international markets were discussed.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of UFRAD, thanked all industry representatives who participated in the webinar and stated that efforts will continue with determination to further strengthen the Turkish franchise ecosystem in the global arena.
UFRAD Franchising Association’s February Board of Directors meeting was held at Istanbul Aydın University under the hosting of UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın.
During the meeting, current developments in the franchise sector, the activities of the association and the projects for the upcoming period were comprehensively evaluated. Participants discussed strategies to further strengthen the franchise ecosystem by exchanging views on sectoral innovations and collaborations.
UFRAD management thanked Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın for hosting the meeting and emphasized that the association, together with all its members, will continue to contribute to the sector and support sustainable growth in the business world.
Franchise Istanbul Expo, organized in cooperation with TÜYAP, was held at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center as the 33rd organization of UFRAD Franchising Association. Investors and franchise associations from more than 60 countries, especially Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, showed great interest in the fair.
The opening speech was given by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of UFRAD, and it was emphasized that a strong ecosystem is being built that plays an important role in opening Turkey and its brands to the world markets. It was also stated that the franchising sector is a dynamic structure that not only grows companies but also strengthens the national economy and creates employment.
It was emphasized that the franchise sector has reached a size of 55 billion dollars and this figure is expected to exceed 70 billion dollars by 2025. While it was stated that the number of chain businesses in Turkey exceeded 3,700 and the number of branches linked to these businesses exceeded 66,000, it was pointed out that the number of Turkish brands operating abroad exceeded 400. It was highlighted that this data revealed the competitiveness of brands in international markets and Turkey’s role in global trade.
It was stated that Franchise Istanbul Expo is not only a fair, but also a transformation point for the sector. Within the scope of the organization, new investment opportunities, establishing international partnerships and strengthening Turkey’s entrepreneurship ecosystem were emphasized.
It was emphasized that in order for Turkish brands to remain strong in the global competitive environment, it has become inevitable to adopt a global perspective instead of thinking locally. It was stated that every brand should aim to open up to international markets and develop strategies to increase its competitiveness.
Since 1991, UFRAD Franchising Association, which has been working for the development of the franchise system, will continue to guide the sector with more than 200 members and these efforts to strengthen the franchising ecosystem will make significant contributions to Turkey’s economic growth and global success in the field of entrepreneurship.
The UFRAD Franchising Association’s Board Meeting for December held at Istanbul Aydın University, hosted by UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın. During the meeting, a general evaluation of 2024 was conducted, and the sectoral goals and projects for 2025 were discussed in detail.
In meetings with prospective members, the expectations and goals of brands wishing to join the UFRAD family were heard, and the first steps were taken toward building strong collaborations. The meeting emphasized the determination to continue efforts to advance the franchising sector both nationally and internationally.
The UFRAD Strategic Plan Workshop, organized by the UFRAD Franchising Association to address current issues in the sector, discuss solutions, and create a strategic roadmap for the future, was held under the leadership of UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın and hosted by Istanbul Aydın University.
Before the workshop, a committee meeting with moderators was held to evaluate the day’s program in detail, and final preparations were made to ensure that the sessions would be productive and goal-oriented. An innovative and solution-focused program was created to address the sector’s dynamics in the best possible way.
In his opening speech, UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted the place and importance of the franchising sector in the national economy. Sharing the main objectives of the workshop, Aydın emphasized the significance of critical topics for the sector, such as expansion into global markets, digitalization, sustainability, proper brand positioning, and effective management of legal processes.
Throughout the workshop, experts from the sector, academics, and stakeholders engaged in intensive and productive exchanges of ideas. In each session, the current state of the franchising sector, challenges faced, and future opportunities were discussed in depth. The sharing of sectoral experiences and the proposals formed through different perspectives were seen as an important step toward making the franchising sector more sustainable and competitive.
The October Board of Directors meeting of the UFRAD Franchising Association was held at Istanbul Aydın University, hosted by UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın.
During the meeting, the general evaluation of the association’s activities was conducted, and discussions took place on new membership processes, sectoral developments, and the association’s strategic plans for the future. The members exchanged views on evaluating industry dynamics, providing more value to members, and taking strong steps in the franchising sector. Following this, existing projects were reviewed and plans for upcoming initiatives were discussed.
The August Board Meeting of the UFRAD Franchising Association was held under the chairmanship of UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın and hosted by UFRAD Board Member and Chairman of Bursa Kebap Evi, Cem Helvacı. During the meeting, a detailed evaluation of the association’s activities was conducted, and the processes for new memberships were discussed. Strategic steps regarding potential members were also debated. Additionally, comprehensive planning was carried out for the organization and strategies of the Franchise Istanbul Expo 2025, with an exchange of ideas on how the expo could be a more effective platform for the industry.
Following the UFRAD August Board Meeting, a Round Table Meeting was organized. During this meeting, attended by UFRAD members, expectations and goals for the year 2024 were discussed, and critical decisions were made to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector and the strengthening of brands at both national and international levels. In particular, in-depth analyses of global trends in the franchising sector and local market dynamics were conducted to develop strategies for best leveraging future opportunities.
UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın concluded the meeting by thanking Cem Helvacı for hosting and all members for attending, expressing his hope that the decisions made will contribute to the development of the sectors and that UFRAD brands will have a stronger presence in the global arena.
President of the UFRAD Franchising Association, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, was featured as the cover guest in the second issue of Kollektmag Magazine. In his interview, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın provided comprehensive information about UFRAD’s position in Turkey, its mission, activities, and contributions to the economy. He talked about the efforts of UFRAD Franchising Association to support the development and growth of the franchising sector in Turkey. Subsequently, he mentioned the association’s wide range of activities, including the education, consultancy, and support services provided to entrepreneurs and international collaborations.
Additionally, he shared his predictions and strategic goals for the future of the franchising sector in Turkey. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “The mission of UFRAD is to ensure that the franchising system is correctly understood and applied in Turkey, to raise the standards in the sector, and to create a sustainable growth environment.” In this context, he emphasized the association’s vision and the value it adds to the sector.
On the third day of his visit to Azerbaijan, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın participated in the Turkish World Economic Forum, organized in Baku by the Azerbaijan Franchise Association (AFA) and the Azerbaijan Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (KOBSKA). In his address as the President of UFRAD, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted the significance of the franchising sector, stating, “Today, as UFRAD, we believe that with a business volume reaching 55 billion dollars, our Franchising Sector will continue to be one of the key drivers of our economy in the coming years with the momentum we have gained. These figures, demonstrating that the Turkish franchise sector is a significant player not only for Turkey but also for the Turkish world and international trade, are of great importance for regional cooperation and economic integration. We extend our gratitude to the President of the Azerbaijan Franchise Association, Camid Mövsümov, the Board of Directors and Members of the Azerbaijan Franchise Association, the Azerbaijan Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (KOBSKA), and all participants present here today for making this meaningful event possible.”
Following this, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın conducted a seminar titled “Teaching and Leadership in Higher Education in the New Era” at Baku Higher Oil School, a member of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS). Addressing the educators, he remarked, “Education is a true transformative tool. Every lesson, every research project, and every interaction with a student can leave a profound impact on another’s life. Therefore, we must use every day not just to impart knowledge but to create an inspiring experience. We are the guardians and carriers of higher education. We hold the power to shape the future, and with this power comes responsibility. Hence, we must act with awareness of this responsibility every single day. We express our heartfelt thanks to the Rector of Baku Higher Oil School, my dear friend Prof. Dr. Elmar Gasimov, for their excellent hospitality.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın’s third day in Azerbaijan was marked by his active participation in significant economic and educational forums, reinforcing the collaborative efforts and sharing insights that foster growth and cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The opening of the 32nd exhibition of the UFRAD Franchising Association, Franchise Istanbul Expo Fair, organized in collaboration with TÜYAP, took place at the TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center. The fair featured participants from investors from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and 60 other countries, along with international franchise associations.
Organized in partnership with TÜYAP, a strong leader in the industry, the fair showcased successful, active, and dynamic brands. With franchise systems, the fair presented unique and different flavors from food brands that are results of Turkey’s rich history and cuisine. Additionally, prominent real estate and property consultancy brands, in proportion to Turkey’s large construction sector, were recognized. Many individuals admired the high-quality services provided in the education sector. Within this context, domestic and national software and digital innovations were acknowledged, bringing together franchise brands from different sectors.
On the first day of the Franchise Istanbul Expo Fair, a collaboration protocol was signed with the Iran Franchising Association by UFRAD Franchising Association.
During the opening speech at the fair held at the TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, UFRAD President Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aydın emphasized the importance of branding and warned, “If we do not create our own brands and ensure the global growth of the brands we create, we will be condemned to be dominated by international and well-known brands.”
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Istanbul Aydin University Chairman of the Board of Trustees / BIL Holding and BIL Education Institutions Chairman of the Board of Directors / Cyprus Science University Honorary President
