Saudi Arabia's National Franchise Committee is preparing to launch an investment fund with a capital of SAR200m ($53.33m) specialising in financing the global expansion of Saudi brands, Al-Eqtisadiah reported on May 5.

Khalid Al-Ghamdi, Chairman of the National Franchise Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, confirmed that work is underway to establish the investment fund through negotiations with a major investment company in preparation for its launch soon.

The initiative receives direct support from several government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Saudi Export Development Authority, the Social Development Bank, and the "Made in Saudi Arabia" initiative, Al-Ghamdi said during the first International Floating Franchise Exhibition held aboard the Aroya Cruise in Jeddah.

The initiatives aim to support franchises and expand their presence outside Saudi Arabia through launching an electronic platform linking Saudi brands to international markets and international brands to the Saudi market, in addition to establishing a company to market Saudi franchises abroad.

Three partnership agreements were signed during the conference, aiming to unify efforts between public and private sectors to market trademarks.

These agreements were between the National Franchise Committee and the Export Development Authority, the Social Development Bank, and the Restaurant Owners Association.