Portuguese supermarket operator Jerónimo Martins SGPS SA is “interested” in entering the Chinese market, said the Chinese Embassy in Portugal in a statement.

The comment was made during a meeting last week between the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, Huang Songfu, and Jerónimo Martins’ head, Alexandre Soares dos Santos.

Mr Huang praised the Portuguese group’s interest in China, which has a market with high potential due to the country’s population size, the statement said.

Mr Santos was quoted saying Jerónimo Martins was “confident” in exploring investment opportunities in China, as the supermarket operator “offers some unique competitive advantages” over incumbent supermarket operators in China.

Jerónimo Martins operates Pingo Doce, one of the largest supermarket chains in Portugal, in partnership with a Dutch group, Ahold NV.