On 12 & 13 January 2019, CRCICA hosted and co-organized the first Legal Franchise Events in Egypt and the MENA Region: "Cairo Legal Franchise Workshop and Symposium", Cairo-Egypt. The Workshop and the Symposium were also organized by the Egyptian Franchise Development Association (EFDA) and supported by the International Franchise Association (IFA). The Symposium provided a unique opportunity for franchisors to understand all the legal aspects of franchise practices through the presentations and discussions with world top legal experts in the field. Mr. Philip Zeidman, DLA Piper Law Firm, U.S.A, who is named as the father of international franchise law and whose legacy is known to impact the franchise community for decades to come, was the keynote speaker. The Workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Hatem Zaki, Secretary General, World Franchise Council (WFC), Executive Board Member, Egyptian Franchise Development Association (EFDA) and Dr. Ismail Selim, CRCICA Director.

The agenda of the Workshop focused on the establishment of the franchise requirements and prerequisites, subsequent obligations, and the development of the franchise. The agenda of the Symposium shed light on the top legal issues in franchising from regional and international perspectives and on the digital economy’s impact on franchising. Both days were concluded by questions and answers sessions.

The Workshop and Symposium were well attended with more than 120 participants and speakers reflecting a wide spectrum of expertise and difference backgrounds including members of top franchise international institutions, law firms, State Lawsuit Authority, Supreme Constitutional Court, Public Prosecution, chambers of commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, universities as well as traders and construction engineers. Attendees were from Canada, Egypt, France, Jordan, KSA, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Palestine, and the USA. It is worth nothing that the participants at the event earned 400 points towards their Certification as a Franchise Executive (CFE) (made in association with ICFE-Institute of Certified Franchise Executives & IFA).