FIPB clears IKEA's Rs 10,500-crore investment proposal in full
Swedish furniture major IKEA's Rs 10,500-crore investment plan to set up a 100 per cent subsidiary in India has been cleared by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).
This includes nod to the company's proposal for having cafeterias at its retail outlets.
This would be the largest investment in the single-brand retailing ever since the government allowed foreign investment in this sector. In January, the government has notified 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in single-brand retail, paving the way for global chains like Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Gucci to have full ownership of their India operations.
IKEA's proposal now needs approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
“We consider this as a very positive development. We are now awaiting for approval from the Cabinet and subsequently a notification so that we can initiate the process of establishing IKEA stores in the country,” said Juvencio Maeztu, country manager of IKEA Retail India.
"The FIPB's decision is a positive development. The government is committed to play a constructive role in encouraging FDI, specifically in areas that create jobs and provide technological advancement," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said.
"Globally, IKEA has a business model which integrates in its embrace SMEs and domestic industry, thus making them the part of global value chain," Mr Sharma added.
The world's largest home furnishing player operates 336 stores in 44 countries; it sources textile, carpets and metal products from India.
The company would be investing about Rs 4,200 crore to open 10 stores in the country in the first stage. The remaining Rs 6,300 crore would be used to open 15 more stores.
Earlier, FIPB had approved IKEA's Rs 4,200 crore out of a total of Rs 10,500 crore-investment proposal to open single-brand retail stores in India with only some categories of products allowed to be sold from a total of 33 that the company had applied for.
Following this part approval, the company had made a representation to the industry department, which forwarded the request to FIPB seeking review.
