HCMC – Japan’s top-ranking retailing group AEON plans to build in District 2 a huge retail complex at a cost of about US$50 million, but this investor also wants to develop first a trial project in Tan Binh Industrial Zone in Tan Binh District, the company said on Wednesday.AEON’s managing director Nagahisa Oyama in a meeting with HCMC vice chairman Nguyen Trung Tin on Wednesday said the project needs at least 10 hectares in District 2. Oyama, who directly manages the AEON Co. (M) BHD. and its shopping malls in Malaysia, told Tin after a tour of District 2 that the complex should be a multi-purpose one.

“We want to build here an unprecedented multi-purpose complex, comprising not only a huge retail shopping center but also entertainment and service facilities,” he said.

“If we find a suitable location soon, the project could be commenced at the end of the next year for completion in 2012 or 2013,” said Oyama.

However, to ensure the project success, AEON wants to develop first a smaller one in Tan Binh District. “This test project aims to provide more information such as the local customers’ tastes,” Oyama said, adding his delegation had met with Tan Binh IP’s management board over the tentative plan.

In his response, Tin suggested that AOEN develop the project in two stages instead of two separate centers. According to him, this way will help AEON avoid troubles as per current regulations, which require close appraisal on any foreign retailer wanting to open a second retail center in the country.