Despite the recent slowdown in China's economic growth, German wholesale retailer Metro Cash & Carry is planning to open at least 12 outlets in China in 2013, following equally fast expansion the year before.

In 2012, Metro opened 12 stores in first- and second-tier cities. "This shows our long-term commitment to China," said Uwe Hoelzer, President of Metro China.

Metro China's sales revenue for 2012 increased 23 percent from the previous year to 1.89 billion euros ($2.46 billion). In comparison, the group's global sales increased only 1.7 percent to 32 billion euros ($41.87 billion).

Despite China's slowing economic growth, Metro China is confident that it can maintain stable growth in the nation. "We are still talking about GDP growth of 7 percent and the expectation is about 8 percent. So there is still enough growth, which underlines our strategy," said Hoelzer.

He believed increasing food safety problems also provide opportunities to Metro China because people in China are paying more attention to food quality, allowing his company to grab market share from wet markets, street markets and other international players.