Stage set for Cabinet to approve FDI in retail
“The DIPP is looking at getting the issue of FDI in multi-brand retail cleared at the earliest as a committee of secretaries (CoS) has cleared it and other ministries have agreed,” an official said.
The draft note follows the recommendations of the CoS, which suggested 51% FDI in the politically-sensitive sector with several riders, including a minimum investment of $100 million. Further, at least 50% of the investment and jobs should go to rural areas and entities with FDI should source at least 30% from micro, small and medium enterprises. The CoS also suggested that at least half of the minimum overseas investment go into back-end infrastructure and that global chains be allowed only in 36 large cities with a population above 1 million.
Said Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group: “This creates an opportunity for consumption-led growth and will benefit the entire industry. Foreign players interested in the consumer side of retail are keen on aligning with Indian partners as they understand the terrain and customers better. So it’s a win-win situation for both.”
Said Thomas Varghese, chairman of CII’s retail committee: “This helps on two counts. First, it will be help the economy as more investments will come to the back-end. It will also create more jobs
