Carrefour, the world's second-largest retailer, has vowed to continue its expansion in the growth market of Bulgaria despite the global economic crisis.

The group recently signed a deal to occupy a 10,000m2 space at the Grand Plaza shopping mall in Rousse, which is due to be completed by 2010.

Additionally, the chain will have supermarkets at Sofia's Tsarigradsko Chaussee and Bourgas-based shopping malls.

The France-based group has previously said that it will build a total of 30 supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bulgaria over a five-year period, with its launch pegged for 2009.