Govt clears IKEA Rs. 10,500-cr plan for FDI in retail

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday cleared Swedish furniture major IKEA’s R10,500-crore investment proposal in India, the largest FDI in single-brand retail so far.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday cleared Swedish furniture major IKEA’s Rs. 10,500-crore investment proposal in India, the largest FDI in single-brand retail so far.

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This will pave the way for the iconic furnishing and homeware firm to set up 25 exclusive stores and in-house food cafes in the country.

“Yes, it is cleared,” information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said, referring to IKEA’s investment proposal.

“This will be the biggest foreign investment in the retail segment till now and will provide an opportunity to Indian small and medium enterprises in a wide range of labour intensive sectors for integrating into global value chain. On the other hand, it will also provide a diverse choice for the Indian consumers for a wide range of products,” Anand Sharma, commerce and industry minister, said.

“This decision has once again re-affirmed the commitment of the government for maintaining a liberal economic agenda,” said Sharma, who described the CCEA approval as “historic”.

Last year, the government had eased foreign investment norms allowing 100% FDI in single brand retail and had removed some of the restrictive conditions including dropping the mandatory 30% sourcing of goods from Indian small enterprises for single brand retail trading.

IKEA had sought permission to set up cafes and restaurants inside all its stores in India, in line with its global concept.

The government has allowed the company to run food cafes but has prohibited it from selling packed food.