Canada-India Business Council



Canada-India Business Council

September 18, 2012 10:28 ET

Just as India Announces New Measures to Liberalize Retail and Aviation, the Canada-India Business Council Hosts Leaders of Indian Policy Reform

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 18, 2012) - Last Friday, the Indian government passed a series of reforms to re-establish its economic liberalization agenda and attract new sources of foreign direct investment (FDI).

These include: opening India's multi-brand retail sector to FDI, and increasing equity caps in civil aviation, broadcasting, and power trading exchanges.

After a long wait, foreigners will now be allowed to own 51% of supermarket and department store chains.

Foreign airlines can now buy a 49% stake in Indian private airlines. FDI in all broadcast-carriage services has been raised to 74%, up from 49% previously.

Coinciding with these announcements, the Canada India Business Council (C-IBC) is pleased to be hosting both:

  • Saumitra Chaudhuri: A member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister as well as the Planning Commission, he was among the principal authors of India's latest Five Year Plan.

Talk & Lunch on September 18, 2012

  • Mohammad Haleem Khan, Secretary, Department of Disinvestment: Showcasing India's $5 billion privatization target, he is in Toronto to outline specific opportunities for Canadian institutional investors.

Talk & Lunch on September 20, 2012

"These announcements are very good news at a crucial moment for India," says Rana Sarkar, President & CEO of the Canada-India Business Council.

"It sends a long awaited signal to global markets that India is ready to kick-start reform processes, and the arrival of both Mr. Chaudhuri and Mr. Khan serves to further underscores India's outreach efforts."

Contact Information

  • For additional information on either event or to arrange
    an interview with Rana Sarkar, President & CEO of C-IBC,
    please contact: Canada-India Business Council
    Emily Hamilton at 416-214-5947 x 26
    416-214-9081 (FAX)
    ehamilton@canada-indiabusiness.ca