KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 27): ALBAIK, a popular chicken and seafood quick service restaurant chain in Saudi Arabia, is considering Malaysia as its regional headquarters for its expansion into the Asean market.

ALBAIK does not presently have any restaurant operations in Malaysia and is currently addressing trademark issues for its entry into the market.

In a statement today, ALBAIK said the possibility of it setting up its regional headquarters in Malaysia will involve transfer of know-how and creation of thousands of jobs in Malaysia.

“This effort will also allow ALBAIK to have Malaysia become its gateway to enter the Asean market and will likely become a catalyst to spur further bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia,” it added.

This follows ALBAIK’s appointment of DWA Advisory Sdn Bhd in March last year as the project manager to assist in undertaking the necessary feasibility studies for the possible investment, manpower recruitment, procuring of the relevant regulatory approvals and the setting up of business in relation to the proposed expansion plans into Malaysia and Asean.