President Lai Supports 2026 World Chain Franchise Annual Meeting in Taiwan – Taiwanese Brands Unite for Global Expansion

Taiwan's chain brands are preparing to unite and expand overseas. President Lai Ching-te recently met with over 100 corporate representatives from the Taiwan Chain Franchise Promotion Association at the Presidential Office, publicly endorsing Taiwan's hosting of the 2026 World Chain Franchise Annual Meeting and encouraging businesses to seize the business opportunities arising from the global supply chain realignment to bring Taiwanese brands, culinary culture, and service models into international markets.

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an, Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei, and Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Chiang Wen-jo attended the reception, while the Association was represented by Chairman Wu Yung-chiang and his delegation. Both sides exchanged views on the preparation of the international conference, overseas brand expansion, AI transformation, and service industry development.

President Lai stated that the chain franchise industry continues to grow and serves as a vital force supporting Taiwan's domestic economy—an unstoppable 'army of ants' that cannot be ignored. He emphasized that only through tripartite cooperation—government setting policies, the association integrating platforms, and enterprises expanding markets—can a more complete industrial development environment be established.

Regarding overseas markets, President Lai noted that as Taiwan's tech companies have advanced into the U.S., local Taiwanese industrial clusters have gradually formed, creating new opportunities for food and beverage, retail, and lifestyle service brands. He encouraged businesses to follow in the footsteps of Taiwan's enterprises overseas, exporting not just products but also Taiwan's culture and service experiences to the world.

Wu Yung-chiang stated that the Association has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2026 World Chain Franchise Annual Meeting. The event will integrate the Asia-Pacific Franchise Conference, Taiwan International Chain and Franchise Exhibition, international forums, and business matchmaking, inviting global franchise organizations, brand enterprises, international buyers, and investors to Taiwan for exchange.

He emphasized that this international event is not only a significant milestone for the industry but also a crucial stage for Taiwan's service sector to showcase its soft power. The Association will assist more brands in connecting with international buyers and finding partners, positioning Taiwan as a key hub for franchise exchange in Asia.

The Taiwan Chain Franchise Promotion Association led its corporate representatives into the Presidential Office, hoping that through the international conference and business matchmaking, more Taiwanese brands can expand overseas. (Photo / Taiwan Chain Franchise Promotion Association)

Chiang Wen-jo stated that the Ministry of Economic Affairs will support the conference preparation and international buyer invitations, and continue promoting digital transformation and AI applications to help brands enhance operational efficiency and international competitiveness.

The Association also proposed initiatives such as establishing a shared AI platform for the service industry, promoting Global Taiwan Cities, improving food waste recycling systems, establishing franchise headquarters certification, and strengthening youth entrepreneurship safeguards. Wu Yung-chiang stated that the Association will advance the 'Thousand Brands, Ten Thousand Talents' program to help Taiwanese brands go global and cultivate chain professionals with international management capabilities, ensuring that the world sees not only Taiwan's technology but also its services and culture.