FILIPINO businesses should explore more opportunities to compete in the global market and take advantage of the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC) to make the country Asia’s franchise hub, a senator said on Wednesday.

“The fast-approaching Asean economic integration, just like most changes and new developments do, will bring about opportunities and challenges. The key is preparedness and enhanced competitiveness,” Senator Cynthia Villar said during the opening of Franchise Asia Philippines 2015 in Pasay.