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    Foreign InvestmentIndia is the Second most Popular Country in the World and the largest Democracy In the

    World and sweeping Economic reform undertaken since 1991 have unleashed the

    enormous growth potential of the economy. There has been a rapid, yet calibrated,move towards deregulation and liberalization, which has resulted in India becoming

    a favorite destination for foreign investment. The mood is upbeat and signals

    strong. Undoubtely ,India has emerged as one of the most vibrant anddynamic ofthe developing economics.

    In olden days capital flowed from one place to another by goods. Traders went another

    country for selling their goods for making profit. But after the in late 1980, havesignificantly changed the environment for international investment according toPeter Drucker.

    Foreign investment refers to long term participation by country A intocountry B. Usually invoives participation in management, jointventure & transfer of technology

    Foreign investment may also help increase a countrys exports and reduce the importrequirements. If such investment take place in export oriented and Import-Competing industries.

    ADVANTAGES-

    Infrastructure $ technology transfer.

    Increase productive efficiency due to competiton from multinational companies.

    Improvement in the quality of the factors of production

    Faster growth of output and employment.

    Increase in exports

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    FDI refers to investment in a forign country where the invester retain control over theinvestment.

    portfolio investments If the investor has only assort of property interest in investing the

    capital in buying equities ,bonds ,or other securities abroad, it is referred to asportfolio investments.

    There are many routes of portfolio investments.in india .viz., by foreign Institutional

    Investors(FIIs) like Mutual Funds and through Global depository Receipt(GDRs)

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    Indi*1. One largest economies of the world. Fourth largest economy in term of

    purchasing power.

    2.Large and rapidly growing Consumer Market up to 300 million people constitute the

    Market for branded consumer products

    3. Easy access to markets of the other nations belonging to the south assion associationfor Regional Corporation.

    4. Large and diversified infrastructure spread across the Country.

    5. Promising future in the IT Industry6. Large Manufacturing Capability., spanning almost all areas of manufacturing

    activities

    7. Well developed R&D infrastructure.

    8.Well establish knowledge industry.

    9. Abundance of natural resources.10. Developed Banking system

    11. Well balanced package of fiscal incentives.12. Stable democratic environment fostered by over 53 years of independence.

    13. Established, independent judiciary.

    14. English the preferred business language.

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    Significance of Foreign Investment

    Foreign capital and technology can play a very important role in the socio-economicdevelopment of a nation.

    Helps economic growth by facilitating essential imports.

    Foreign Investment (FI) may also help increase a countrys exports and reduce import.

    FI also increases jobs and domestic labour may get higher wages.Consumer get cheaper goods.

    FI may also bring in a lot of indirect gains.

    Limitations and Dangers of Foreign Capital

    The following criticisms are levelled against foreign capital:

    Mostly FI is in high profit areas and not in priority areas.

    Unfavorable effect on balance of payment.

    Sometimes interfere with national politics.Danger of creation of monopolies or oligopolistic structures.

    TECHNICAL COLLABORATION

    Royalty for use of trademark and brand name without technology transfer is allowed upto

    2% for exports and 1% for domestic sales.

    In case of technology transfer, no separate royalty can be paid for trade marks & brandname Remittance upto USD 1 million per project for consultancy service procured

    from outside India is permitted under the automatic route .

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    SIGNIFICANCE OF FOREIGN

    INVESTMENTForeign capital and technology can play a very important role in the socio-economic

    development of a nation.

    They have very significantly contributed to the development of the developed countries. Foreign capand technologyhave been playing a significant role in the development of a number of developing countries.

    Foreign investment is playing an increasing role in economic development.

    Economic reforms and the far-reaching political changes have resulted in very

    substantial changes in theInternational capital flows. Foreign investment may also help increase a countrys exports and reduc

    the import requirements if such Investment take place in export-oriented and import-competing

    industries.The analysis of Donald MacDougall and Paul Streeten, Gerald Meier observes that, from

    the stand point of

    national economic benefit, the essence of the case for encouraging an inflow of capital is that the capis that the

    resturent increase in the income of investor.

    As long as foreign investment raises of productivity, and this increase is not wholly appropriated by tinvestor, the greater product must be shared with others and there must be some direct benefits to oth

    and there must be some direct benefits to other income group as mentioned below:

    FDI can have social and economic benefits.Domestic labour There might also be an expansion of the employment opportunities.Consumers:-If the investment is product-improving or production-innovating, consumer benefit fro

    better quality

    product or new product.

    Government:-The increase in production and foreign trade resulting from foreign capital might increthe fiscal

    revenue of government.

    External economies:-This could stimulate domestic investment in industrial and other sectors.The endogenous growth framework, the source of growth attributed to capital flows comprise the

    spillovers associatedWith foreign capital in the form of technology

    FDI have remarkably changed the balance of payment and foreign exchange reserve position of seve

    countries.

    Advantages of FDI1- FDI shifts the burden of risk of investment from domestic to foreign investors.

    2-Repayments are linked to profitability of the underlying investment whereas under debt financi

    the borrowedfunds must be serviced regardless of the project costs.

    3-Further, it has also been observed that only capital inflow that has been strongly associated with

    higher GDP growth since 1970.

    FDI has specific advantages over ODA

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    Foreign Private investment:- Foreign investment can havemultidimensional benefits.

    1- It helps increase level and thereby the income and employment in the host country.

    2-Foreign investment may increase the tax revenue of the government.

    3-FDI facilitates transfer of technology to the recipient country.

    4- Foreign capital may enable the country to increase its export and reduce import requirements.

    5-The Foreign investors may encourage and assist domestic suppliers and consuming industries.

    6-Foreign investment improves the quality and reduces the cost of input, that would benefit the domeindustry.

    7-Foreign investors may also help increase competition and break domestic monopolies.

    INLOW OF FDI IN INDIA

    2007-2008--$15.7 billion

    2006-2007--$5.5

    Role player

    Vodafone

    Nokia

    Suzuki

    General motors

    OUTFLOW 0F FDI FROM INDIA

    2007-08- $15 billion

    2006-07 $2.8

    Role P layers

    Tata groups

    Wipro

    Ranbaxy

    Bharat forge

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    Investment Policy-

    Automatic Route-Today, foreign investment is freely allowed in all sectors including

    the Services, sector except in cases in cases where there are sectoral ceilings .

    INSURANCE SECTOR - FDI up to 26% allowed on the automaticroute However, license from the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority

    (IRDA) has to be obtained There is a proposal to increase this limit to 49%(Notfound any data to substantiate this statement

    BANKING SECTOR- Foreign Investment up to 74% is permitted from allsources (FDI +FII) under the automatic route subject to guidelines for setting up ofbranches/subsidiaries of foreign banks issued by RBI from time to time.

    Energy- The 1991 Power Policy seeks to attracts significant Private sectorInvestment in the Indian Power Sector.

    Private sector permitted to set up COAL, Gas or Liquid based thermalprojects and Wind or solar Projects of any size.

    Oil and natural gas- The government has announced significant newpolicy initiatives to attract investment: In exploration and Production , Oil

    and Gas Field are open to the Private sector as well as for foreign

    participation under production sharing contacts .

    Foreign investment it to be permitted up to-

    100%in small sized oil fields.

    60% for unincorporated ventures

    51% for incorporated ventures

    100% for exploration and production of blocks

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    COAL- Private Indian companies setting up or operating power projects aswell as coal or lignite mines for captive consumption are allowed up to 100%

    100% FDI are allowed for setting up Coal processing plants.

    FOREIGN INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR -Properly fundsforeign individuals and foreign corporates can register as a subject accounts asinvest through the FII, seperate limits of 10%/15% is available for the subaccounts.

    IT sector- Automatic approval for foreign investment equity software and all areasof electronics.

    Opportunities-

    Communication Infrastructure

    Optic Fiber Cable

    Satellite based Communication Software Development

    IT enable services.

    AIRPORTS:

    Foreign Investment upto 100% is allowed in green field projects under automatic

    route Foreign Direct Investment is allowed in existing projects - upto 74%

    under automatic route - beyond 74% and upto 100% subject to Government

    approval

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    PROHIBITED SECTORS OF FDI -

    GAMBLING AND BETTING LOTTERY

    ATOMIC ENERGY HOUSING

    REAL ESTATES

    AGRICULTURE(WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS)

    PLANTATION(OTHER THAN TEA PLANTATION)

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    (FDI) is a measure of foreign ownership of productive assets, such as factories, mines

    and land. Increasing foreign investment can be used as one measure of growing economicglobalization. Figure below shows net inflows of foreign direct investment. The largest

    flows of foreign investment occur between the industrialized countries (North America,

    Western Europe and Japan). But flows to non-industrialized countries are increasingsharply.

    Types

    A foreign direct investor may be classified in any sector of the economy and could be any

    one of the following:[citation needed]

    an individual; a group of related individuals;

    an incorporated orunincorporated entity;

    apublic company orprivate company;

    a group of related enterprises;

    a government body;

    anestate (law), trust or other societal organisation;

    any combination of the above.

    Methods

    The foreign direct investor may acquire voting power of an enterprise in an economy

    through any of the following methods:

    by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary orcompany

    by acquiring shares in an associated enterprise

    through a mergeror an acquisition of an unrelated enterprise

    participating in an equityjoint venturewith another investor or enterprise

    Foreign direct investment incentives may take the following formslow corporate tax andincome tax rates

    tax holidays

    other types of tax concessions

    preferential tariffs special economic zones

    EPZ - Export Processing Zones

    Bonded Warehouses

    Maquiladoras

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    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Americahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unincorporated_entityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estate_(law)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estate_(law)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(law)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidiaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mergerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeoverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_venturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_venturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_taxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_taxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_holidayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_economic_zonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPZhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonded_warehousehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maquiladorahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Americahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unincorporated_entityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estate_(law)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(law)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidiaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mergerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeoverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_venturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_taxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_taxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_holidayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_economic_zonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPZhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonded_warehousehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maquiladora
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    investment financial subsidies

    soft loan or loan guarantees

    free land or land subsidies

    relocation & expatriation subsidies

    job training & employment subsidies

    infrastructure subsidies R&D support

    derogation from regulations (usually for very large projects)

    Foreign direct investment in India

    A recent UNCTAD survey projected India as the second most important FDI destination

    (after China) for transnational corporations during 2010-2012. As per the data, the sectors

    which attracted higher inflows were services, telecommunication, construction activitiesand computer software and hardware. Mauritius, Singapore, the US and the UK were

    among the leading sources of FDI. FDI for 2009-10 at USD 25.88 billion was lower by

    five per cent from USD 27.33 billion in the previous fiscal. Foreign direct investment in

    August dipped by about 60 per cent to USD 1.33 billion, the lowest in 2010 fiscal,industry department data released showed.

    Growth of FDI:-

    Cyclical Behaviour FDI flows are characterised by cyclical behaviors. Thedecline in FDI flows after peaking in 2000 followed rapid increases during the

    late 1990s. As the World Investment Reports point out, there was a similar patternduring the late 1980s and early 1990s, and in 1982-1983. Thus, this is the third

    downward cycle in FDI, each punctuating a long upward trend in FDI every tenyears or so.

    Foreign direct investment and the developing world

    Foreign investment can be a significant driver of development in poor nations. It provides

    an inflow of foreign capital and funds, in addition to an increase in the transfer of skills,

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    technology, and job opportunities. Many of the East Asian tigers such as China, South

    Korea,Malaysia, and Singaporebenefited from investment abroad. The Commitment to

    Development Index ranks the "development-friendliness" of rich country investmentpolicies.

    Investment in India - Investing in India - Venturing into the Indian Market

    Investment in Indian marketIndia, among the European investors, is believed to be a good investment despite

    political uncertainty, bureaucratic hassles, shortages of power and infrastructuraldeficiencies. India presents a vast potential for overseas investment and is actively

    encouraging the entrance of foreign players into the market. No company, of any

    size, aspiring to be a global player can, for long ignore this country which is expectedto become one of the top three emerging economies.

    Success in India

    Success in India will depend on the correct estimation of the country's potential,underestimation of its complexity or overestimation of its possibilities can lead to

    failure. While calculating, due consideration should be given to the factor of theinherent difficulties and uncertainties of functioning in the Indian system.Entering

    India's marketplace requires a well-designed plan backed by serious thought andcareful research. For those who take the time and look to India as an opportunity for

    long-term growth, not short-term profit- the trip will be well worth the effort.

    Market potential

    India is the fifth largest economy in the world (ranking above France, Italy, theUnited Kingdom, and Russia) and has the third largest GDP in the entire continent of

    Asia. It is also the second largest among emerging nations. (These indicators arebased on purchasing power parity.) India is also one of the few markets in the world

    which offers high prospects for growth and earning potential in practically all areas of

    business.Yet, despite the practically unlimited possibilities in India for overseasbusinesses, the world's most populous democracy has, until fairly recently, failed to

    get the kind of enthusiastic attention generated by other emerging economies suchas China.

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    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commitment_to_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commitment_to_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Koreahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commitment_to_Development_Indexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commitment_to_Development_Index
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    EV

    Lack of enthusiasm among investors

    The reason being, after independence from Britain 50 years ago, India developed a highly

    protected, semi-socialist autarkic economy. Structural and bureaucratic impediments were

    vigorously fostered, along with a distrust of foreign business. Even as today the climate in India

    has seen a seachange, smashing barriers and actively seeking foreign investment, manycompanies still see it as a difficult market. India is rightfully quoted to be an incomparable

    country and is both frustrating and challenging at the same time. Foreign investors should be

    prepared to take India as it is with all of its difficulties, contradictions and challenges.

    Developing a basic understanding or potential of the Indian market, envisaging and

    developing a Market Entry Strategy and implementing these strategies when actually

    entering the market are three basic steps to make a successful entry into India.

    Developing a basic understanding or potential of the Indian market

    The Indian middle class is large and growing; wages are low; many workers are well educatedand speak English; investors are optimistic and local stocks are up; despite political turmoil, the

    country presses on with economic reforms.But there is still cause for worries-

    Infrastructural hassles.

    The rapid economic growth of the last few years has put heavy stress on India's infrastructuralfacilities. The projections of further expansion in key areas could snap the already strained lines

    of transportation unless massive programs of expansion and modernization are put in place.

    Problems include power demand shortfall, port traffic capacity mismatch, poor road conditions

    (only half of the country's roads are surfaced), low telephone penetration (1.4% of population).

    Indian Bureaucracy.

    Although the Indian government is well aware of the need for reform and is pushing ahead in this

    area, business still has to deal with an inefficient and sometimes still slow-moving bureaucracy.

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    Diverse Market .

    The Indian market is widely diverse. The country has 17 official languages, 6 major religions,

    and ethnic diversity as wide as all of Europe. Thus, tastes and preferences differ greatly among

    sections of consumers.

    Therefore, it is advisable to develop a good understanding of the Indian market and overall

    economy before taking the plunge. Research firms in India can provide the information todetermine how, when and where to enter the market. There are also companies which can guide

    the foreign firm through the entry process from beginning to end --performing the requisite

    research, assisting with configuration of the project, helping develop Indian partners and

    financing, finding the land or ready premises, and pushing through the paperwork required.

    Developing up-front takes:

    Market Study

    Is there a need for the products/services/technology? What is the probable market for the

    product/service? Where is the market located? Which mix of products and services will find the

    most acceptability and be the most likely to generate sales? What distribution and sales channels

    are available? What costs will be involved? Who is the competi

    Check on Economic Policies

    The general economic direction in India is toward liberalization and globalization. But the

    process is slow. Before jumping into the market, it is necessary to discover whether government

    policies exist relating to the particular area of business and if there are political concerns which

    should be taken into account.

    FDI Report

    Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Introduction

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted as under the following forms of investments.

    Through financial collaborations.

    Through joint ventures and technical collaborations.

    Through capital markets via Euro issues.

    Through private placements or preferential allotments.

    Forbidden Territories:

    FDI is not permitted in the following industrial sectors:

    Arms and ammunition.

    Atomic Energy.

    Railway Transport.

    Coal and lignite.

    Mining of iron, manganese, chrome, gypsum, sulphur, gold, diamonds, copper, zinc.

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    Foreign Investment through GDRs (Euro Issues)

    Foreign Investment through GDRs is treated as Foreign Direct Investment

    Indian companies are allowed to raise equity capital in the international market through the issue

    of Global Depository Receipt (GDRs). GDRs are designated in dollars and are not subject to any

    ceilings on investment. An applicant company seeking Government's approval in this regardshould have consistent track record for good performance (financial or otherwise) for a minimum

    period of 3 years. This condition would be relaxed for infrastructure projects such as powergeneration, telecommunication, petroleum exploration and refining, ports, airports and roads.

    Clearance fromFIPB

    There is no restriction on the number of Euro-issue to be floated by a company or a group of

    companies in the financial year . A company engaged in the manufacture of items covered under

    Annex-III of the New Industrial Policy whose direct foreign investment after a proposed Euro

    issue is likely to exceed 51% or which is implementing a project not contained in Annex-III,would need to obtain prior FIPB clearance before seeking final approval from Ministry of

    Finance.

    Use of GDRs

    The proceeds of the GDRs can be used for financing capital goods imports, capital expenditureincluding domestic purchase/installation of plant, equipment and building and investment in

    software development, prepayment or scheduled repayment of earlier external borrowings, and

    equity investment in JV/WOSs in India.

    Restrictions

    However, investment in stock markets and real estate will not be permitted. Companies may

    retain the proceeds abroad or may remit funds into India in anticiption of the use of funds for

    approved end uses. Any investment from a foreign firm into India requires the prior approval of

    the Government of India.

    Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Approval

    Foreign direct investments in India are approved through two routes:

    Automatic approval by RBI:

    The Reserve Bank of India accords automatic approval within a period of two weeks (providedcertain parameters are met) to all proposals involving:

    foreign equity up to 50% in 3 categories relating to mining activities (List 2).

    foreign equity up to 51% in 48 specified industries (List 3).

    foreign equity up to 74% in 9 categories (List 4).

    where List 4 includes items also listed in List 3, 74% participation shall apply.

    The lists are comprehensive and cover most industries of interest to foreign companies.

    Investments in high-priority industries or for trading companies primarily engaged in exportingare given almost automatic approval by the RBI.

    Opening an office in India

    Opening an office in India for the aforesaid incorporates assessing the commercial opportunity

    for self, planning business, obtaining legal, financial, official, environmental, and tax advice as

    needed, choosing legal and capital structure, selecting a location, obtaining personnel, developing

    a product marketing strategy and more.

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    The FIPB Route:

    Processing of non-automatic approval casesFIPB stands for Foreign Investment Promotion Board which approves

    all other cases where the parameters of automatic approval are not

    met. Normal processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. Its approach is liberal forall sectors and all types of proposals, and rejections are few. It is not

    necessary for foreign investors to have a local partner, even when theforeign investor wishes to hold less than the entire equity of the

    company. The portion of the equity not proposed to be held by theforeign investor can be offered to the public.

    Total foreign investment and FDI

    Total foreign investment in IFY 1997-98 was estimated at dols 4.8 billion in 1997-98,

    compared to dols 6 billion in 1996-97. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 1997-98 was

    an estimated dols 3.1 billion, up from dols 2.7 billion in1996-97. The government is

    likely to double FDI inflows within two years. Foreign portfolio investment by foreigninstitutional investors was significantly lower at dols 752 million for fiscal 1997-98,

    down compared to dols 1.9 billion in1996-97, partly reflecting the effect of the recentcrisis in Asia.

    Foreign institutional investors

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers from November 1997 through

    January 1998. The outflow, prompted by the economic and currency crisis in Asia andsome volatility in the Indian rupee, was modest compared to the roughly dols 9 billion

    which has been invested in India by FIIs since 1992.

    FII investmentsFII net investment declined to dols 1.5 billion for IFY 1997-98, compared to dols 2.2billion in 1996-97. The trend reversed itself in February and March 1998, reflecting the

    renewed stability of the rupee and relatively attractive valuations on Indian stock

    markets.

    Large outflows of capital

    Large outflows began again in May 1998, following India's nuclear tests and volatility in

    the rupee/dollar exchange rate. In an effort to avoid further heavy outflows, the RBI

    announced in June that FIIs would be allowed to hedge their incremental investments inIndian markets after June11, 1998.

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    India should be more open to FDI'

    Gary Locke: What you see from the Presidents visit is acknowledging the critical role that India plays not

    just within the region and not just [in] economic issues affecting the United States and India, but really

    affecting the entire world. Photo: V. Sudershan

    diplomacyIndia-United States

    Interview with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke

    Even as India seeks foreign capital to build its physical infrastructure and has pitched

    for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with the United States as the

    next logical step following President Barack Obama's historic visit, the U.S. maintains

    that lack of reforms especially in the financial services sector and foreign directinvestment (FDI) policies would stand in the way of India achieving the desired

    objectives. In an interview withAshok Dasgupta,U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Lockeemphasised the need for India to be more open to foreign direct investment in a variety of

    sectors. On the issue of opening up to multi-brand retail, Mr. Locke said the matter was

    not discussed at all in deference to the sensitivities of the Indian people. Excerpts:

    On what President Obama's visit achieved

    The achievement, I think, is the recognition of the very important role that India plays in

    the world economy with respect to political decisions touching the entire world. So, what

    you see from the President's visit is acknowledging the critical role that India plays notjust within the region and not just [in] economic issues affecting the United States and

    India, but really affecting the entire world.

    The announcements over allowing more hi-tech goods to be purchased by India from theU.S. is a sign of respect for India and recognising that India is a true partner with the

    United States in the sharing of technology and also the support for having a permanent

    seat in the Security Council of the United Nations. It's a statement by the U.S. that we

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    recognise that India is a major economic and political force and should be treated that

    way in international bodies and in our relationship, economic and political and strategic.

    On the specifics

    In terms of specifics, policies on high technology, the policies about reforming andmodifying our export control regime as they relate to India will mean that companies in

    India will have access to hi-tech goods, whether in the areas of space exploration research

    and improvements and modernisation of the military. As the President indicated, bothsides will have to move away from the stereotypes and the misperceptions about the

    realities of global trade. If we want to sell to India, India should be able to sell to the U.S.

    It can never be one way.

    On the issue of job losses

    We really need to focus on the net increase in jobs for each country. There will be job

    creation in the U.S. when we sell to India and there will be job creation in India whenIndia sells things to the U.S.

    What we really need to focus on is increased job creation on both sides. As long as we

    can show the American public that there is a net increase in jobs because of trade, thenthe American people will understand the benefits and the realities of a global economy.

    On hike in visa fees

    We need to work with the Congress on that because it was the Congress that imposed

    those fees, not just on visas of workers coming from India but from any country around

    the world. It was not imposed by the U.S. administration, but by the Congress and it wasa bipartisan issue as it included the Republicans as well as Democrats. There were

    amendments and that was a way in which the Congress could find the funds that theycould use to pay for the increased cost of security measures along the U.S.-Mexican and

    the U.S.-Canadian borders.

    On the need to relax FDI policies

    We believe that India should be more open to foreign direct investment in a variety of

    sectors, because we believe that some of the impediments for FDI actually hinder India'sability to achieve its goals of economic progress, job creation for the people and growth

    of the economy. If India wants foreign investment in construction of roads and bridges orother major infrastructure like water systems, ports and airports, you have to have astrong insurance system to attract that investment, not just from the United States but

    from Germany, France or Canada and other countries.

    It is not necessarily in the long-term economic interests of India to have these various

    restrictions on foreign investment because they may hinder India's ability to proceed withthe economic and modernisation objectives that you have. For investments into large

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    infrastructure projects, you need to ensure that you have the insurance cover and bonding

    that will cover large projects that might be initiated here.

    You need to understand that in general, overly restrictive policies can prevent a countryfrom receiving the foreign capital that it is seeking to help pay for these major

    infrastructure projects which your Prime Minister [Manmohan Singh] said will run intotrillions of dollars over the next 10 years. So if you have overly restrictive policies, you

    will not have foreign capital come in for all these roads and bridges and airports andevery thing that you desire.

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