สรุปข่าวเศรษฐกิจอินเดียประจำวันที่ 22 มิถุนายน 2555
Mumbai elevated rail corridor creating a ground for private companies
The first project to take off from the railway portfolio in the government's infrastructure package will be an elevated rail corridor in Mumbai. To be built at a cost of around $ 3.5 billion, the project may turn out be the railways’ first public private-partnership initiative in the passenger segment, with the responsibility of building the line, its operations, fare fixation and collection being handed to the private partner. For industry, the project could be both an opportunity and a learning exercise.
This would be crucial for land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation, traffic diversion, improvement in dispersal facilities, redevelopment of surrounding areas and real estate development. The agreement would instill confidence in the prospective PPP partners, said the official.
(Sources: Business Standard, Worldnews, Moneycontrol, IBNLive)
Andhra Pradesh unveils electronic hardware policy
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday unveiled the state electronic hardware policy offering a slew of incentives, including 100 % reimbursement of value-added tax (VAT) and goods and services tax (GST), for a period of five years to those who set up units in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
Releasing the electronic hardware policy at the two-day IT summit, the chief minister urged the companies to make use of the government policy and the conducive environment available here to start their operations.
(Sources: Business Standard, Hindu Business Line, the Hindu, Financial Express)
India 5th most attractive emerging market for retail investment
"India (5th) remains a high-potential market with accelerated retail market growth of 15 to 20 % expected over the next five years, supported by GDP growth of 6 to 7 %, rising disposable income, and rapid urbanisation," US-based global management consulting firm A T Kearney.
Changes in FDI regulations were a major story in India last year. The changing FDI climate has provided an interesting dynamic to several international retailers' entry and expansion plans for India, it added.
It also added that technology is transforming the way retailers operate in developing markets. Shopper's expectation and behaviours are evolving, driven by both economic climate and increased access to information through technology.
(Sources: Economic Times, Moneycontrol, Zeenews, Times of India)
Kaushik Basu wants Man Mohan Singh to take charge of Finance Ministry
Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu wants Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh to take charge of the Finance Ministry after Pranab Mukherjee moves to Rashtrapati Bhawan saying that he is an extremely capable person.
Mukherjee, who is the UPA's nominee for the Presidential election, is likely to resign as Finance Minister within a week to contest for the highest post in the country.
Following his resignation, the Prime Minister will have a choice to either retain the portfolio with himself or appoint a new Finance Minister.
(Sources: Times of India, Economic Times, Indian Express, the Hindu)
FDI in multi-brand retail: Anand Sharma seeks support of UP, Odisha, Punjab
Commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma has sought the support of chief ministers of Punjab, Odisha and UP on the contentious issue of allowing foreign direct investment, or FDI, in multi-brand retail. In a statement on Thursday, Sharma also expressed confidence that a "political consensus" would be arrived at on the issue in the next few weeks.
In his letters to the chief ministers, the minister pointed out the proposed policy mandates minimum investment of $100 million with at least half going towards back-end infrastructure including cold chains, refrigerated transportation and logistics, which, he said, would help in containing wastage.
(Sources: Hindu Business Line, Livemint, Business Standard, Economic Times)
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