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Bahrain-based franchise developer The Living Concepts (TLC) announced the opening of the first Maya La Chocolaterie franchise in the GCC in Doha, Qatar. The franchise was adopted by Qatar-based project developer Business Trading Company facilitating Maya La Chocolaterie's entry into the growing Qatari retail market.
Attending the opening was TLC's managing director Essa Faqih, Maya brand manager Bertrand Espouy and Business Trading Company chairman Abdul Aziz Al Rabban.
This will be the second location for Maya La Chocolaterie to be introduced after the opening of its flagship store in Seef Mall.
"With this announcement, we once again validate that our regional expansion strategy is on the right track and progressing at a rapid rate," said Mr Faqih.
Mr Al Rabban also stated: "Our main value revolves around bringing to Qatar the best in the retail market. Maya La Chocolaterie lives up to these standards we have set and we are proud to host a franchise from a neighbouring country and of such international standards."
Business Trading Company will open five different Maya La Chocolaterie shops over the period of four years.
Furthermore, all chocolate products and packaging will be exported directly from Bahrain, where TLC established the first Bahrain-based chocolate factory.
"TLC intends to put Bahrain on the map and make people realise that we can develop products of international standards. Maya La Chocolaterie itself is a promising brand for we have already got recognition of our products as they will in 2009 be in Kuwait, Saudi, Lebanon and Egypt."
