Commercial sector in rough waters

The country's commercial sector is likely to slow in the near-term amid the macro economic slowdown, with more opportunities coming up in the less developed rural areas, according to an annual report released by the country's top think tank.

The report, called the Blue Book of Commerce Sector, released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the commercial sector, which mainly refers to retailing and wholesale enterprises, will experience a difficult time this year.

The macroeconomic slowdown has dampened consumer confidence, and the financial crisis has tightened credit, making it difficult for enterprises to get loans, according to the report.