International retailing giants eye market in Chinese mainland

Global retailers Carrefour, Metro, Auchan, and Wal-Mart, held purchasing fairs at the Investment and Trade Expo 2005 in east China's Anhui Province, which just ended.

These world-renowned retailers negotiated with about 300 enterprises from midland China, and signed about 100 draft agreements with them ranging from foods and textiles to sports products and home appliances.

The top international retailers are stretching their tentacles from south and east China to central China in view of the grown-up enterprises and the growing market there, according to local analysts.

Zhang Yiguang, a senior official from Carrefour's Asia Purchasing Headquarters, said Carrefour is developing new business partners in midland China, and shifting its purchasing centers in China from the south to the east and then to the central regions.

The goods from the midland boast high quality and low prices, despite being a little outdated in pattern and style, Zhang said.

"We hope we can find some suppliers for Carrefour's local stores and products for our global retailing network."

Auchan Group of France, a Fortune 500 company specialized in super market operation, has negotiated with 60 carefully chosen enterprises in Anhui and signed business agreements on foods, textile and garments.

Metro of Germany, another big retailing company ranking the fourth in the world, is also planning to branch into Hefei, capital of Anhui.

The three-day fair, at the sponsorship of the Anhui provincial government, ended Friday.

Source: Xinhua