The Thai operator of convenience chain 7-Eleven, CP All, plans to expand to neighbouring countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

CP All has lodged a proposal to the 7-Eleven parent company in the US to operate the chain in the four countries. The expansion plans come after the Thai company was granted rights to operate in China.

MD Piyawat Titasattavorakul says CP All is likely to open in one of the Chinese cities by the year-end or early next year.

Locally, the company says it will invest up to 6.5 billion baht to open new stores in addition to the existing 6822. It says the chain’s sales recorded a growth of 10.9 per cent last year.

Titasattavorakul said the expansions are also part of the company’s preparation for the Asean Economic Community that will come into force in 2015.

Thailand’s convenience store market includes a total of 12,440 stores from 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus Express, V-Shop, FamilyMart, Tops Daily and other operators.

GB