Govt to audit retail chains

Govt to audit retail chains

JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to audit foreign retail
chains to ensure they are following existing regulations.

Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla said here on
Wednesday his ministry wanted to ensure the foreign retailers had
local partners for their operations in the country.

"All foreign retailers are allowed to operate in the country
as long as they cooperate with small-scale retailers," he said
after the opening of the annual congress of Indonesian retailers.

The presence of major retail giants such as the French
supermarket chains Carrefour and Continent has been seen by some
as a threat to local retailers. The foreign chains, known for
their large discounts, are becoming increasingly popular among
local buyers.

The Indonesian Retail and Merchants Association has called on
the government to protect local retailers by imposing
restrictions against foreign retail chains. (hen)