CARREFOUR China yesterday reiterated its confidence in the Chinese market after reports said that the French retailer was selling its operations in China, including Taiwan.

"We're committed to a long-term investment and development in China," an official with the world's second-largest retailer told Shanghai Daily yesterday.

He added that Carrefour is very confident in the Chinese market.

Carrefour China said the country remained strategically important for the company.

The French retailer is considering combining the bulk of its Asian assets with another company or launching a possible initial public offering that could raise US$1 billion in Hong Kong, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday.