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From FDI in multi-brand retail to FTAs, here's what India Inc and Nirmala Sitharaman discussed

CII and Ficci interacted with the Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday.

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India Inc has asked the government to push for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail trading as well as allowing corporates in agriculture farming.

These were among the several suggestions made by industry chambers, including CII and Ficci, during their interaction with Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials on Thursday.

Here are the suggestiong that India Inc made to Sitharaman:

-- Push for FDI in multi-brand retail: "Members stated that the government should push the FDI in multi-brand retail sector.

India permits 51% FDI in the multi-brand retail sector. The BJP-led NDA government is opposed to allowing FDI in multi-brand retailing, but it has not yet scrapped the policy approved by the previous UPA regime.

Ficci said taking into account the sensitivities regarding protecting kiranas, the government could consider allowing 100% FDI in multi brand retail in segments such as electronics, apparel and fresh food product retail.

-- Suggestions were also made that Indian corporates should be allowed to do agriculture farming," an official, who attended the meeting, said.

-- Issues including impact of FTAs signed by India, ways to promote start-ups and boost economic growth, were also deliberated upon in the meeting.

The industry chambers raised concerns over FTAs (free trade agreements) and their impact on Indian industry and commerce, the minister said, adding that the ministry would take inputs from industry at the time of review of these pacts.

India has so far signed free trade pacts with countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Asean.

Indian industry and exporters have time and again said that these pacts have benefited the partner countries more.

She also asked the industry to delve deep into the causes of lack of competitiveness vis-a-vis imports and take corrective measures to improve that.

She emphasised on the need for standards across all sectors and sought cooperation to develop that. Besides, the minister sought inputs for negotiations of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other FTAs.

While allaying apprehensions about the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, he asked the industry for their feedback on export promotion measures taken by the government during the last one year.

-- ​Sitharaman said the key issues raised by the industry include surge in imports, competitiveness of some sectors and increasing investments, among others.

The chambers suggested measures to further liberalise FDI regime, new initiatives that could be taken up under Make in India programme and strategy to promote start-ups. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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