Global Franchises Gathered in One Place... Simon WFC Secretary-General: "Korean Industry is Full of Energy"

World Franchise Council General Assembly Held in Seoul for the First Time in 12 Years
Over 80 Participants from 35 Countries Including Europe, Philippines, and Indonesia
Attention on Chicken Cooking Robots and Coffee Barista Robots Increases

On the 20th, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council (WFC), delivered a greeting at the WFC General Assembly held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Hyewon

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] "Korea's franchise industry is full of vitality."

Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council (WFC), said this during an interview with reporters after watching a demonstration of Korea's franchise ICT technology at the WFC General Assembly held on the 20th at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This is the first time in 12 years since 2010 that the WFC General Assembly has been held in Seoul.

At the General Assembly and Startup Expo attended by about 80 franchise industry officials from 35 of the 45 WFC member countries including Europe, the Philippines, and Indonesia, participants shared each country's COVID-19 recovery measures and discussed new directions for franchise industry development.

The biggest attraction for participants was undoubtedly the chicken robot, coffee barista robot, and convenience store kiosks. They filmed videos of the chicken cooking robot, which can cook 50 chickens per hour, preparing chicken and bombarded the company representatives with questions.

Participants also experienced the unmanned smart payment system at the convenience store booth, where payment is made immediately when customers take products, and the AI chatbot guidance service, expressing amazement at the sophisticated technology.

In his opening remarks, Jung Hyunsik, Chairman of the Franchise Association, emphasized, "Since COVID-19, the global franchise industry demands more sophisticated and stable operating models," adding, "We will directly show the path the global industry should take in Seoul, which has the world's best non-face-to-face and digital infrastructure, and create an exchange platform with the domestic industry."

Secretary General Simon stated in his congratulatory speech, "Franchise industry professionals worldwide will work together to strengthen ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management and create a culture of mutual growth."

The expo will be held for three days from today, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the 20th, participants from various countries are taking a commemorative photo at the World Franchise Association General Assembly held at COEX, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Hyewon

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.