More retailers look to S.E. Asia / Economic doldrums at home make fast-growing economies attractive

Domestic demand-oriented companies, such as supermarket chains, convenience store chains and food makers, are accelerating their moves into the markets of other Asian countries. Aeon Co. on Friday officially launched a project to operate in the Vietnamese market. Deflation, a declining birthrate and a rapidly aging population have been shrinking Japan's domestic market, making other Asian countries, whose economies and populations continue to grow, more attractive. (Yomiuri)