Zhang Jiasheng, Wal-Mart's President for China recently told our reporter in an interview that the company planned to open another 15 stores in China in 2005.

Wal-Mart's third store in Dalian, also its No.44 in China, was opened to business on February 2. The latest store will be operated in conjunction with Shenzhen International Holdings and Development Corporation (SIHDC), the first Chinese partner for Wal-Mart, which holds 35% stake (worth 180 million RMB) in Wal-Mart Pearl River Department Store. Zhang also said Wal-Mart had jointly opened over 30 chain stores with SIHDC, mainly in south and north China. Our reporter also learned about the establishment of SIHDC Commercial Property Development Company Limited, which offers customized commercial property management services to Wal-Mart. 

Editor: Olivia