The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has vowed to increase the number of franchised outlets, expand the scale of their operations and standardize the franchising market within five years, according a guideline issued by the ministry.

From 2011 to 2015, the ministry will revise and improve relevant regulations to standardize management of the franchising market, said the newly released guideline.

The guideline said relevant authorities will help companies build brands and bring the brand-building efforts into line with local governments' trade development plans.

The authorities will support the development of excellent charter brands and establish an evaluation system for these brands. Meanwhile, they will help companies construct their information systems and accelerate the establishment of local logistic systems.

In addition, the ministry will strive to improve collection of industrial statistics and credit rating, according to the guideline.

The franchising industry plays an important role in driving private investments and creating jobs. The country's franchising market still fosters great potential and will make further contributions to employment and consumption in the future, according to analysts.

Data from the MOC shows that the country had more than 4,500 registered franchisees by the end of 2010, ranking the first in the world.