The brands, presented by the US Commercial Commission in Vietnam, Edwards Global Services Inc. (EDS) and the August Bao Law Firm, include three food franchise opportunities offered by The Melting Pot, Round Table Pizza – the fifth biggest pizza brand in the US - and the fast-food brand Carl’s Jr., as well as a franchise for art and creative education for children under the Abrakadoodle brand, and a business guidance franchise offered by Signs Now.

According to an EDS spokesman, the franchises were offered at costs ranging from US$300,000-500,000 for the exclusive rights to supply their branded products.

This is an exploratory step in the franchise market, which gives the franchise owner the exclusive rights to use and market a brand in Vietnam. Franchise activities have recently been on the rise in Vietnam as franchise owners increasingly seek to capitalise on prestigious brand names, products and services, thanks to the country’s stable economic growth. This increase in franchising has led to the country’s lawmakers to examine the relevant laws relating to franchises.

According to foreign investors, Vietnamese law governing franchises has been markedly upgraded and amended to protect trademarks, as well as offering legal protection to both franchisers and franchisees.

Donald Nay, a commercial counselor with the US embassy, said that there are now an increasing number of opportunities for US franchise companies to enter the Vietnamese market in the areas of food, soft drinks, retail, education and training and business administration.