SME sourcing clause in retail FDI could change
The government will address the restrictive clause which requires foreign multi-brand retailers to compulsorily source 30% of the value of their manufactured products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma told FE that he was aware of the problem and has taken it up with the finance minister. “...When it comes to the definition of SME, we need to have a relook. I have discussed with the finance minister and it's very clear at least in my mind that you can't have expansion and contraction. Today, if you are an SME and become integrated into the sourcing structure, you grow bigger than $1 million and then get out next year. We will address that issue and there will be greater clarity. We will resolve it like we have done in other issues,” Sharma said.
Pointing out how issues were resolved in the single-brand sector, Sharma added: “The same question was asked to us in single-brand retail and you have seen that it has happened. Now, we have big proposals, there is a continuous stream that is coming. Salisbury and Tesco have already applied to set up and establish big sourcing bases here.”
The clause that mandates sourcing only from SMEs with investments in plant and machinery are not above $1 million has prevented foreign retailers like Wal-Mart and Tesco from opening retail outlets, even after a change in rules allowed them to hold up to 51% stake. The deterring part in the clause is that once their value
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