MINISTRY KEEN TO WORK WITH JAPANESE RETAILER
Opening of Don Don Donki store shows confidence in economy, says Linggi
THE government is keen to work with Japanese retailer Don Don Donki to promote Malaysian products in Japan and other countries.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this year would be a good opportunity to showcase quality Malaysianmade products, especially halal products.
“Hopefully, the collaboration between Don Don Donki and the ministry can materialise soon,” he said at the opening of Jonetz by Don Don Donki, here, last week.
The discount chain is present at 160 locations in Japan, as well as in Singapore, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Bangkok, Taiwan and Malaysia. The Malaysian store is spread across three floors in the Lot 10 shopping complex.
Linggi said the opening of the retail outlet was a sign of foreign investors’ confidence in the economy.
He said the retail sector in Malaysia was fast becoming one of the main contributors to the gross domestic product (GDP).
“In 2019, Malaysia received RM60.46 billion worth of foreign investments in distributive trade sectors, mainly retail.
“This also created 392,634 jobs for Malaysians. Last year, retail sales contributed RM511 billion to the GDP.”
Meanwhile, Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp, the parent company of Don Don Donki, is expanding its business to the Asia Pacific via its specialty concept stores that sell Japan-made or made-for-Japan merchandise.
Pan Pacific Malaysia president Satoshi Machida said the group planned to open 11 stores in the region in the next five years.