TAGMOA and WorldFirst Exploring collaboration opportunities to Advance SME Growth and E-Commerce Innovation

TAGMOA and WorldFirst Exploring collaboration opportunities to Advance SME Growth

and E-Commerce Innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – March 12, 2025 – The Franchise and Brand Association (TAGMOA) has joined forces with WorldFirst, a UK-based leader in international payment solutions, to drive innovation and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the franchise and e-commerce sectors. A high-level strategic meeting, held at the Al Madani Group headquarters in Dubai, brought together key industry leaders to explore solutions for enhancing brand support, streamlining supply chain operations, optimizing payment systems, and addressing sector-specific challenges.

Strengthening the Franchise Ecosystem and Overcoming Trade Barriers

The session featured esteemed representatives from the Emirates Restaurant Group, including:

• Damian Conway, Advisory Board Member and Founder & Director of Dubai Restaurant Group
• George Kunnappally, General Manager of Nando’s UAE, Board Member of Superbrands UAE, and Advisory Board Member of the Emirates Restaurant Group

With the food & beverage industry comprising 70% of the franchise sector, discussions underscored the urgent need for robust supplier networks, efficient logistics, and reliable international payment solutions to enable seamless operations. Addressing key obstacles in cross-border transactions, stakeholders explored strategies to facilitate secure, efficient, and cost-effective international trade.

Empowering SMEs and Expanding Global Trade Opportunities

The meeting also welcomed key figures, including:

• Leonid, representative of the Russian Council
• A delegate from Etihad Airways
• Officials from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Recognizing that SMEs account for 95% of global businesses, participants examined the challenges they face in international expansion, cross-border trade, and financial accessibility. The discussion centered on enhancing financial solutions to empower SMEs with the tools needed to compete globally and drive economic growth.

Representing WorldFirst at the event were:

• Bruce Ding, Global Head of E-commerce Business (China)
• Sumit Arora, General Manager for Europe
• Mubin Arif, Regional Sales Director (London)

Key focus areas included optimizing supply chains, implementing stringent pre-shipment inspections, and refining cross-border payment mechanisms to create a seamless and secure trading environment.

Innovative Solutions for Market Expansion

A major highlight of the meeting was WorldFirst’s commitment to empowering SMEs through:
✔ Supply Chain Optimization – Enhancing logistics, warehousing, and order fulfillment processes
✔ Pre-Shipment Inspections – Implementing rigorous quality control measures to ensure product integrity
✔ Advanced Payment Solutions – Providing secure, cost-effective, and efficient financial services to support international transactions and mitigate financial risks

Building a Stronger, More Competitive Business Ecosystem

Mr. Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of TAGMOA, emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations in breaking down trade barriers, boosting SME competitiveness, and fostering a dynamic business environment. He reiterated TAGMOA’s commitment to supporting businesses in expanding their market reach and enhancing operational efficiency.

WorldFirst’s leadership echoed this vision, reaffirming their expertise in e-commerce, international finance, and digital payment solutions. They underscored their dedication to helping businesses navigate global trade complexities, enhance payment security, and scale effectively in international markets.

Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth and Innovation

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between TAGMOA, WorldFirst, and industry stakeholders to foster long-term partnerships that drive e-commerce growth, technological innovation, and supply chain excellence. By cultivating a resilient, efficient, and globally connected business landscape, this collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities for SMEs to thrive on an international scale.