Australia notes that India has continued gradually to open its economy to foreign direct investment.
Could India explain what specific conditions and safeguards it is considering in relation to possible changes to foreign investment in retail trading?
Reply: The existing policy allows for 51% foreign direct investment (FDI), only in single brand retail trade, subject to specified conditions. FDI in multi brand retail trading is presently prohibited. Government of India had released a Discussion Paper on the subject of "Foreign Direct Investment in Multi Brand Retail Trading", in order to obtain stakeholder comments, for informed policy making. Comments were received from a number of stakeholders. The discussion papers, as well as the comments received thereon, are in the public domain. The Government has not taken a final decision in this regard.
Australia 2:
REPORT BY WTO SECRETARIAT (WT/TPR/S/249): III TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE: (2) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS: (i) Customs Procedures (a) Registration and documentation:
Australia notes in paragraph 12, page 37 of the Secretariat report that India's Risk Management System (RMS) is operational in 48 customs offices (accounting for 85 per cent of India's imports).
Could India's clarify the plans and timelines for further roll out of RMS to cover a greater percentage of India's imports?
