Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said Congress would allow FDI in retail in Himachal Pradesh if the party is voted to power in the state which is going to polls on November 4.
In a press conference at Shimla union Minister claimed that BJP lead Himachal Govt has harmed the interests of horticulturists by opposing and delaying FDI in retail, and announced to implement it when voted into power. He stated that BJP is indulging in “political opportunism” over its stand on FDI. He added that the BJP had all along been supporting FDI in retail but it changed stance due to political considerations.
He also targeted Left Parties over their stand on FDI in retail and alleged that it reflected the ideological bankruptcy of these parties.
He stated that the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail would be more useful for hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir where the growers are not able to take their produce to major markets due to inadequate infrastructure. FDI would ensure the growers get remunerative returns and boost agro-processing industry, the minister added.
Anand Sharma assured that the interests of small traders and growers have been fully protected in FDI policy. He added that the growers would have access to integrated infrastructure with storage, marketing and processing facilities which would go a long way in strengthening their economy.
