Convenience store giant 7-Eleven said that it was approved by the Chinese government to develop outlets in Beijing and outlying provinces.
The Dallas-based convenience store chain said that the Ministry of Commerce approved a joint venture between Seven-Eleven Japan Co, Beijing Shoulian Commercial Group Co and China National Sugar and Alcohol Group Corp.
The first wave of outlets are expected to open in the spring of 2004. 7-Eleven projected that it may open as many as 500 stores in China.