PARIS - Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer group saw its turnover rising by 2.5 percent over the first half this year from the same period last year on boosted sales in Latin American and Asian markets.

From January to June, Carrefour's turnover stood at 44.55 billion euros ($63.14 billion), according to the company's figures.

Sales in Latin American countries jumped by 12.1 percent to 8.26 billion euros ($11.7 billion), offsetting low demand in Europe where sales dropped by 3 percent as financial and economic downturn shadowed main European economies.

Sales in China grew by 10.4 percent over the first half year and pulled up Carrefour's total sales in the Asian markets by 6.7 percent on year-on-year basis.

"In spite of a persistently challenging environment, Carrefour was able to generate sales growth in the first half, once again driven by a strong performance in emerging markets," said Lars Olofsson, Chairman and CEO of Carrefour.

"Carrefour is devising and implementing an action plan with the objective of attaining the Group's 2011 target of a progression in sales and current operating income. In addition to France, all of our teams are now being mobilized to support this goal," he added.