Reaffirming BJP's stand on foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, New Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman indicated that foreign players will not be immediately allowed to open multi-brand retail outlets in the country, arguing that this move may hit small traders and farmers, which have not been adequately empowered. The priority of first woman trade minister, however, would be to boost exports, improve productivity and create jobs.
Nirmala pointed out that exports have decelerated considerably over the last two years as global demand contracted due to economic slowdown, however she unveiled that there will soon be a policy in place to boost exports for the sector.
For long there have been speculations within the Commerce and Industry Ministry and industry about the possibility of the BJP not tweaking the current policy of allowing 51 per cent FDI in the multi-brand retail sector as it may dent its image as a reform-oriented Government.
Moreover, the Government would also face pressure from important trading partners such as the US and the EU if it reverses its policy of allowing FDI in the sector as a number of American and European companies such as Walmart, Tesco and Carrefour are planning to penetrate the Indian market.
Further towards this development, British retailer Tesco is the only company that has announced its plans of entering India in collaboration with the Tata Group, but has not implemented any of its decision as it wants to win the approval of new government.
However, the BJP manifesto had underscored that barring the multi-brand retail sector, FDI will be allowed in sectors wherever needed for job and asset creation, infrastructure and acquisition of niche technology and specialized expertise. Clarifying this stand further, she averred that there will not be a "blanket approach" for every sector and that each and every sector would be looked in a "very, very calibrated fashion".
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