CH17 partners FinWin Group to launch first franchise operation in MENA region

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CH17 Privilege CEO Jumar Preena (left) with FinWin Group Founder and Chairman Faroon Hamim

Offers returnees with dollar discounts on duty free purchases at The Mall, Port City Colombo

Channel 17 (CH17) Loyalty, Sri Lanka’s pioneering rewards and loyalty management company, launched its first international franchise operation in the United Arab Emirates, in strategic partnership with FinWin Group.

CH17 Privilege CEO Jumar Preena said: “This extension of our services to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the result of our recent tie-up with CHEC Port City Colombo to promote down-town duty free shopping for all in-bound visitors both locals and foreigners. This initiative will particularly benefit Sri Lankan expatriate community across the Middle East, particularly the over 1.2 million migrant workers residing in Gulf countries who could directly benefit out of this generous offer by the two participating Duty Free operators, namely One World Duty Free (OWDF) and China Duty Free (CDF).”

The UAE alone hosts approximately 390,000 Sri Lankans comprising professionals, middle managers, skilled and semi-skilled workers and domestic groups. The Company recognises their vital contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy through remittances, he added.

“We are not singling out any particular segment, our offers will reach out to everyone who earns foreign exchange of whatever proportion,” Preena added.

The Mall at Port City Colombo, is the region’s first downtown duty-free destination. We want to incentivise shoppers with attractive offers, surprise them with gifts and also give them a chance to win a luxury motor car, and many more surprises are n the cards, he said. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to bolster foreign exchange earnings by providing tangible benefits to its overseas citizens. By offering savings, shopping perks, and lifestyle benefits, the program encourages expatriates to channel a portion of their remittances towards duty-free purchases and travel-linked rewards. FinWin Group, as the exclusive franchise holder, will oversee all operations under the CH17 brand within the UAE and MENA Region, introducing targeted programs for expatriates, frequent travelers, and high-value shoppers.

“Our mission has always been to personalise loyalty and rewards for specific communities. With FinWin’s regional insight and our platform’s proven success, we are proud to extend this value-driven model to support our fellow Sri Lankans abroad,” Preena stressed.

This expansion is part of CH17’s broader vision to become a globally recognised leader in loyalty and privilege solutions, built on technology, trust, and meaningful member engagement.

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