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Germany open-minded on FDI in retail sector
After the United States, Germany on Thursday batted for FDI in retail. Pointing that if foreign firms are allowed to come into India, it will encourage “healthy competition”, Germany’s acting Ambassador to India Cord Meier-Klodt said, “My view is that an open market is good for all… not just for India but for everyone.” Nonetheless, the decision depends entirely on India, he added.
On Wednesday, the Government announced its decision to hold back its move allowing 51 per cent FDI in “multi-brand” retail. The Government gave in to the Opposition’s strong protests against it.
On the issue Taliban and Pakistan’s absence in Bonn conference, Klodt told The Pioneer, “We are disappointed that Pakistan wasn’t there. However, they will remain the most important partners and all the results of the conference will be shared with them. We regret the Taliban wasn’t there, too.”
The absence of two major players has dampened the expectations of reconciliation and the peace debate in the high profile conference has been merely reduced to clichés. India, which has huge stakes in the stability of the war torn region, cried foul over the cross-border terrorism that is affecting Afghanistan, apparently pointing at Pakistan. Welcoming India’s commitment to the Afghans, Klodt said Germany “supports” India’s commitment for a long haul in Afghanistan beyond 2014.
After the United States, Germany on Thursday batted for FDI in retail. Pointing that if foreign firms are allowed to come into India, it will encourage “healthy competition”, Germany’s acting Ambassador to India Cord Meier-Klodt said, “My view is that an open market is good for all… not just for India but for everyone.” Nonetheless, the decision depends entirely on India, he added.
On Wednesday, the Government announced its decision to hold back its move allowing 51 per cent FDI in “multi-brand” retail. The Government gave in to the Opposition’s strong protests against it.
On the issue Taliban and Pakistan’s absence in Bonn conference, Klodt told The Pioneer, “We are disappointed that Pakistan wasn’t there. However, they will remain the most important partners and all the results of the conference will be shared with them. We regret the Taliban wasn’t there, too.”
The absence of two major players has dampened the expectations of reconciliation and the peace debate in the high profile conference has been merely reduced to clichés. India, which has huge stakes in the stability of the war torn region, cried foul over the cross-border terrorism that is affecting Afghanistan, apparently pointing at Pakistan. Welcoming India’s commitment to the Afghans, Klodt said Germany “supports” India’s commitment for a long haul in Afghanistan beyond 2014.
