Eyeing big-billions in 2015, government rolls out FDI red carpet

Eyeing big-billions in 2015, government rolls out FDI red carpet 

With an estimated $25 billion worth FDI in its kitty during 2014, the government is eyeing a quantum jump in the foreign capital hitting Indian shores in the new year as it hopes to reap the fruits of further opening up of defence, railways and insurance sectors among others.

The ambitious 'Make in India' programme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with much fanfare in 2014, is another big-ticket ride that the government expects the foreign investors to take to bring billions worth dollars of FDI into the country.

Showing its commitment to fast-track the reform process, the government has taken ordinance route to increase foreign investment limit in the insurance sector to 49 per cent, from 26 per cent currently. Besides, it has also liberalised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for medical devices. 

However, a lot will depend on the government's efforts to improve ease of doing business, where India ranks poorly at 142nd position and the Prime Minister has set a target to bring this rank to top-50. Experts and government officials are optimistic that the various initiatives taken by the government would yield results in 2015. "Government's initiatives to improve ease of doing business and opening up of FDI in defence, railways and construction would boost FDI in 2015," a senior official said. Experts also say that the global sentiment has turned very positive for India.

"Global sentiments towards India is extremely positive. Foreign firms are looking at India very keenly. The measures announced in 2014 and the proposed steps will help in attracting more FDI In 2015," Head of Tax and expert on FDI with corporate law firm Amarchand & Mangaldas Krishan Malhotra said. However, no big-ticket investment has been announced by any foreign company as yet. Seeking to streamline the foreign investment regime, the commerce and industry ministry has also proposed to introduce a composite cap which will include FDI, FII and other instruments in various sectors.

In terms of foreign inflows, FDI is estimated to have grown to over USD 23 billion till October this year, as against about USD 22 billion in the same period last year and over USD 26 billion in the entire 2013. India needs around USD 1 trillion worth investments between 2012-13 and 2016-17, the 12th Five Year Plan period, to fund infrastructure growth covering sectors such as ports, airports and highways.

As regards to the controversial FDI policy in multi-brand retail, the new government has not reversed the policy of allowing global super market chains to open stores in India. But interestingly it has said that it would not entertain any application in this regard. Under the 'Make in India' campaign, the Prime Minister has asked foreign and domestic firms to set up manufacturing units in the country to create jobs and boost economic activities in the country.

Similarly, it has taken a series of steps to improve ease of doing business that include having a time line for clearance of applications, de-licensing the manufacturing of many defence products and introduction of e-Biz project for single window clearance. Efforts are being made to bring India into the top 50 ranks in the index of 'Ease of Doing Business'. India has been ranked 142 among the 189 countries in the latest report, falling two places from last year's ranking. 

Source: Economictimes.