than 40 years . This is the so-called Brexit event . The British pound ’ s value dropped 20 percent relative to the U . S . dollar . The already analysis-focused British investors are now taking even more time to decide whether to invest in a new franchise . Spain is forecasted to have a full-year gross GDP growth rate of 2.8 percent in 2016 and 2.9 percent in 2017 . Poland should have growth of 3.2 percent in 2017 . New investment is happening in the franchise sector in both countries after several years of stagnant or negative growth . France is expected to have 1.4 percent growth in 2017 , Germany 1.8 percent , and Italy 1.1 percent .

• The Middle and Near East . Turkey has been an active market for U . S . food and beverage and retail franchises for several years . Turkey has a relatively educated work force , developed infrastructure , and a resilient consumption-based economy . There is now concern , however , about the deterioration of the rule of law and the security situation as a result of multiple terrorist attacks . Little new investment is likely in Turkey for the near future . New franchise development has stopped .

In the Middle East , new franchise development has been limited to the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) countries ( Bahrain , Kuwait , Oman , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , and the United Arab Emirates ) where there are few , if any , protests and the law is well established . The fall of oil prices from about US $ 100 / barrel to less than US $ 50 / barrel has severely hurt the economy of these countries . Saudi Arabia has cut subsidiaries in food and gasoline and salaries of public employees . Other GCC countries have delayed major investment projects . New franchise development has slowed but remains moderately strong .

The bottom line For global franchise development in 2017 : Choose your target countries carefully based on economic and political market research . But keep franchising your brand outside your home country ! n

William Edwards , CEO of EGS LLC , has 40 years of international business experience . He has lived in 7 countries , worked on projects in more than 60 , and has advised more than 50 U . S . companies on international development . Contact him at 949-375-1896 , bedwards @ egs-intl . com , or read his blog at edwardsglobal . com / blog

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