The first institute of its kind in Asia, it will enroll 200 students this year.

Franchise business is not new in China as many multinational franchisers such as McDonald's, Carrefour and Kentucky Fried Chicken have long been present in the country.

However, with the rapid growth of franchise businesses, China faces a severe shortage of personnel and talents in this regard, and making matters worse, few colleges and universities nationwide offer courses on franchising.

The Zhuhai institute begins with a franchise management department, and will gradually set up departments on franchise law and investment management.

(People's Daily June 6, 2003)