?Badal to raise issues of allowing foreign food retailers to sell other items also

Food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that when she gets to discuss matters with prime Minister Narendra Modi, she will raise the issue of allowing foreign food retailers to sell other items also.

The government last year allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in food retailing, but dropped plans to include some general merchandise, such as soaps and shampoos, in the policy. Retailers have been pushing for an easing of this policy.

Badal said, "I will first be meeting global players — retailers, food processing companies, machine manufacturers, logistics providers— and consolidate a list of issues they have over the next 6-8 weeks. This I will take up with the ministries concerned and then the Prime Minister. Our prime minister is quick to take decisions."

Badal said, "Already there is a lot of interest among global companies to invest in India. However, they feel that we should allow non-food related items too as it happen worldwide. The non food items can be 'Made in India' products. This will generate employment, considering that 65% of population is under the age of 35 and is looking for jobs."

At the meeting, the minister invited the diplomats for a global food expo to be held in Delhi in November. The minister said it could be a win-win situation.

She added, "If it (FDI) creates jobs and increases revenue, it's a win-win situation. The government is seriously looking at this issue and whatever will be the outcome it will be positive."

The minister said that most of the issues faced by global players will be sorted by the time the World Food India 2017 fair is held on November 3-5.

Badal said, "For the first time, a mega international food event will take place which will showcase investment opportunities in India's growing food processing sector. It will facilitate companies to engage and strengthen linkages and opportunity for partnership. There is huge opportunity for companies to come and invest in India, considering that we have ample raw material-- fruits, vegetables, milk, meat etc available in abundance."