CJ Freshway has opened an outlet in the Busan area despite the government advising against it, according to the Small and Medium Business Administration earlier this week.

On Jan. 2, CJ Freshway, a CJ affiliate specializing in distributing food materials and food services, opened a store in Busan although the SMBA had requested that the company suspend the opening.

The administration had issued the request after receiving demands from the Busan area’s association of retailers and wholesalers, asking for it to step in to prevent CJ Freshway from opening its branch for fear of yet another conglomerate chain undermining its business.

The administration said it will continue to coordinate with CJ on future operations.

(jemmie@heraldcorp.com)