The U.S. Commercial Service, with the support of the Lebanese Franchise Association, organized a delegation of Lebanese businessmen to the 17th Annual International Franchise Expo in Washington DC on April 11-13, 2008.  During the show, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster international cooperation in training, data collection and sharing of information.  In addition, the MOU will help IFA and LFA members conduct business efficiently at home, collaborate to expand each country’s markets and work to increase franchising trade and investment flows worldwide.

“We are pleased to formalize our partnership with the Lebanese Franchise Association,” said IFA President and CEO Matthew Shay. “The more we can enhance franchising standards globally and increase cooperation in the global franchising community, the more opportunity we will all have to continue the growth of franchised businesses both at home and abroad.”

LFA Treasurer Georges Najjar said:   "We are very proud of having signed an MOU with the IFA. This MOU will pave the way for Lebanese franchises to access the U.S. market and for American franchises to enter or expand their presence in Lebanon. American franchises are very popular in Lebanon, and demand for more American franchises is still growing. Franchising is a successful business model in Lebanon, and Americans and Lebanese can benefit greatly from our collaboration in both markets."