Donetsk, Jul 20 — DAN. Retail trade turnover in the Donetsk People’s Republic exceeded 160 billion rubles last year, DPR Industry and Trade Deputy Minister Natalia Kozina said on Thursday.

“Retail trade was worth 161.5 billion rubles in 2022, a 25.5 percent increase year-on-year, ” Kozina said.

The Donetsk News Agency earlier reported that the trade sector was developing dynamically across the Republic including its liberated areas. The DPR Industry and Trade Ministry is currently working on a market entry plan for chain stores from other Russian regions. Lease contracts for premises have already been signed; their renovation is underway.  Large chain stores will launch 12 new outlets in Mariupol by yearend.*jk