Global retailer Tesco plans to open online stores in Thailand and China as part of a worldwide digital push.

The online stores in Thailand and China will begin operations in April and June, respectively.

Thailand, where it runs hypermarkets and convenience stores, is Tesco’s second largest overseas market. Its Tesco Lotus chain now totals 1400 stores, holding a market share of 14.5 per cent.

In China, the initial launch will cover Shanghai with nationwide expansion to follow.

“The online grocery market is relatively underdeveloped in China and Thailand compared with Europe and many retailers are just testing the concept at the moment. However, there is a wealth of potential online shoppers, many of them already connected and embracing technology to communicate online,” said Vicky Ray, head of Asia at the research company IGD.

CEO Philip Clarke said the company will invest $750 million to expand digital services as customers turn to the web to purchase products.

Currently, Tesco offers online grocery shopping in the UK, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Korea and Malaysia.