ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FDI

Introduction

FDI is an important monetary source for India's economic development. Economic liberalisation started in India in the wake of the 1991 crisis and since then, FDI has steadily increased in the country. India, today is a part of top 100-club on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and globally ranks number 1 in the greenfield FDI ranking.

FDI inflows in India stood at $45.15 bn in 2014-15 and have consistently increased since then. Total FDI inflows in the country in the last 20 years (April 2000 - September 2020) are $729.8 bn.  During FY 2020-21, total FDI inflow of $58.37 bn.

What is FDI?

FDI is defined as an investment made by an individual or an organisation in one country into a business located in another. It is when a company takes controlling ownership in a business entity in another country. With FDI, foreign companies are directly involved with day-to-day operations in the other country. This means they aren’t just bringing money with them, but also knowledge, skills and technology.

Generally, FDI takes place when an investor establishes foreign business operations or acquires foreign business assets, including establishing ownership or controlling interest in a foreign company.  

Where is FDI made? 

Foreign Direct Investments are commonly made in open economies that have skilled workforce and growth prospect. FDIs not only bring money with them but also skills, technology and knowledge.

Routes through which India gets FDI 

Automatic route: The non-resident or Indian company does not require prior nod of the RBI or government of India for FDI.

Govt. route: The government's approval is mandatory. The company will have to file an application through Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal, which facilitates single-window clearance. The application is then forwarded to the respective ministry, which will approve/reject the application in consultation with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce. DPIIT will issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing of applications under the existing FDI policy.

Sectors which come under the '100% Automatic Route' category are

• Agriculture & Animal Husbandry,
• Air-Transport Services (non-scheduled and other services under civil aviation sector), Airports (Greenfield + Brownfield),
• Asset Reconstruction Companies, Auto-components, Automobiles, Biotechnology (Greenfield),
• Broadcast Content Services (Up-linking & down-linking of TV channels, Broadcasting Carriage Services,
• Capital Goods,
• Cash & Carry Wholesale Trading (including sourcing from MSEs),
• Chemicals,
• Coal & Lignite,
• Construction Development,
• Construction of Hospitals,
• Credit Information Companies,
• Duty Free Shops,
• E-commerce Activities,
• Electronic Systems,
• Food Processing,
• Gems & Jewellery,
• Healthcare,
• Industrial Parks,
• IT & BPM,
• Leather,
• Manufacturing,
• Mining & Exploration of metals & non-metal ores,
• Other Financial Services,
• Services under Civil Aviation Services such as Maintenance & Repair Organizations,
• Petroleum & Natural gas,
• Pharmaceuticals,
• Plantation sector,
• Ports & Shipping,
• Railway Infrastructure,
• Renewable Energy,
• Roads & Highways,
• Single Brand Retail Trading,
• Textiles & Garments,
• Thermal Power,
• Tourism &
• Hospitality and
• White Label ATM Operations.

Sectors which come under up to 100% Automatic Route' category are

• Infrastructure Company in the Securities Market: 49%
• Insurance: up to 74%
• Medical Devices:up to 100%
• Pension: 49%
• Petroleum Refining (By PSUs): 49%
• Power Exchanges: 49%

Government route 

Sectors which come under the 'up to 100% Government Route' category are

• Banking & Public sector: 20%
• Broadcasting Content Services: 49%
• Core Investment Company: 100%
• Food Products Retail Trading: 100%
• Mining & Minerals separations of titanium bearing minerals and ores: 100%
• Multi-Brand Retail Trading: 51%
• Print Media (publications/ printing of scientific and technical magazines/ specialty journals/ periodicals and facsimile edition of foreign newspapers): 100%
• Print Media (publishing of newspaper, periodicals and Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing with news & current affairs): 26%
• Satellite (Establishment and operations): 100%

FDI prohibition

There are a few industries where FDI is strictly prohibited under any route. These industries are

• Atomic Energy Generation
• Any Gambling or Betting businesses
• Lotteries (online, private, government, etc)
• Investment in Chit Funds
• Nidhi Company
• Agricultural or Plantation Activities (although there are many exceptions like horticulture, fisheries, tea plantations, Pisciculture, animal husbandry, etc)
• Housing and Real Estate (except townships, commercial projects, etc)
• Trading in TDR’s
• Cigars, Cigarettes, or any related tobacco industry

India’s Consolidated FDI Policy, 2020 An entity of a country, which shares a land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country – can invest only under the Government approval route. Further, a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan can invest, only under the Government route. No such investment is allowed from Pakistan in defense, space, atomic energy and sectors/activities that are prohibited for foreign investment. In the event of the transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI in an entity in India, directly or indirectly, results in the beneficial ownership falling within the restriction/purview of the above – this will also require Government approval.

The Pros and Cons of FDI

Advantages

Promotion of investment in key areas

By allowing FDI, we can promote investment in key areas such as infrastructure development as a result of which there will be more production of capital goods. For example, investment in power generation can generate more electric power which will enable the growth of more industries.

New technologies

FDI can bring in more new technologies which were not adopted in the country till now. Examples are the recent developments in the Communications System. The launching of satellites with the help of other countries has enabled the growth of communication system in the country. Nokia has come to India for promoting India’s communication system.

Increase in Capital inflow

FDI promotes more capital inflow into the country especially in key and core sectors. We have a shortage of capital not only in the form of money but also in the form of material. FDIs will bridge this gap by which there will be speedy economic growth in the country.

Increase in Exports

With the help of FDI, the exports of many underdeveloped countries have increased. The creation of Economic Zones and promotion of 100% export oriented units have helped FDIs in increasing their exports from other countries. Certain consumer products produced by them have world-wide markets. There is a change in the composition of exports and direction of exports with the presence of FDI.

Economic development stimulation

FDI can stimulate a target country’s economic development and create a more conducive environment for companies, the investor, and stimulate the local community and economy.

Easy international trade

Countries usually have their own import tariffs, which makes trading rather difficult. A lot of economic sectors usually require presence in the international makerts to ensure sales and goals are met. FDI makes all of these international trade aspects a lot easier.

Employment and economic boost

FDI creates new jobs and more opportunities as investors build new companies in foreign countries. This can lead to an increase in income and mor purchasing power to locals, which in turn leads to an overall boost in targetted economies.

Promotion of financial services

FDI strengthens financial services of a country by not only entering its banking industry but also by extending other activities such as merchant banking, portfolio investment, etc., which has resulted in the promotion of more new companies. It has also helped the capital market in the country.

Exchange rate stability

Reserve Bank of India has been maintaining the exchange rate in the country through its exchange control measures. But the constant and continuous supply of foreign exchange is a must for continuing exchange rate stability. With more FDIs coming into the country, this is made possible and today RBI is having a comfortable foreign exchange reserve position of more than 1 billion dollars.

Development of backward areas

Foreign direct investments are in a way responsible for the development of backward areas. There are so many industries started by them in far reaching and backward areas, as a result of which these areas have developed into industrial centres. Some of the backward regions have utilized the services of FDIs for starting industries in backward areas. Examples are Hyundai and Ford car units started at Sriperumbadur and Maraimalainagar in India.

Utilization of natural resources

The natural resources in the country is put to better use by the FDls which otherwise would have remained un utilised. The examples are Saint Gobain glass company and manufacture of paper and newsprint.

Change in the lifestyle of people

The presence of FDIs has no doubt changed the life-style pattern of people. The purchase of consumer goods such as TV, fridge, automobiles are made possible as these goods are made available through hire purchase system. The increasing number of automobiles in most of

the cities is a standing example for the change in the life-style.

Tax incentives

Foreign investors receive tax incentives that are very beneficial regardless of your selected field of business. Everybody loves a tax write-off.

Development of resources

The development of human capital resources is a big advantage of FDI. The skills gained by the workforce through training increase the overall education and human capital within a country. Countries with FDI are benefiting by developing their human resources all while maintaining ownership.

Resource transfer

Foreign direct investment allows for resource transfers and the exchanges of knowledge, technologies, and skills.

It Will Improve Competition And Bring Prices Down

Trade in India is majorly fragmented, unorganized, un-networked, inefficient and individually small. The manifestation of the inefficiencies is visible in the huge disparity between the price which the producer gets and the price which the consumer pays— sometimes as high as 10-20 times! Clearly, what is needed is an efficient supply chain backed by improved infrastructure, cold storages, packing and transportation. The traditional system of distribution is just not capable of creating it.

Increased productivity

The facilities and equipment provided by foreign investors can increase a workforce’s productivity in the target country.

Increase in a country’s income

Another big advantage of foreign direct investment is the increase of the target country’s income. With more jobs and higher wages, the national income normally increases which promotes economic growth.  Large corporations usually offer higher salary levels than what you would normally find in the target country, which can lead to an increment in income.

Disadvantages

Hindrance to Domestic Investment
As it focuses its resources elsewhere other than the investor’s home country, foreign direct investment can sometimes hinder domestic investment.

Negative Influence on Exchange Rates
Foreign direct investments can occasionally affect exchange rates to the advantage of one country and the detriment of another.

Higher Costs
It is more expensive than when we export goods. So, it is very imperative to prepare sufficient money to set up operations.

Economic Non-Viability
Considering that foreign direct investments may be capital-intensive from the point of view of the investor, it can sometimes be very risky or economically non-viable.

Expropriation
Political changes can also lead to expropriation, which is a scenario where the government will have control over one’s property and assets.

Negative Impact on the Country’s Investment
The rules that govern foreign exchange rates and direct investments might negatively have an impact on the investing country. Investment may be banned in some foreign markets, which means that it is impossible to pursue an inviting opportunity.

Modern-Day Economic Colonialism
Many third-world countries, or at least those with history of colonialism, worry that foreign direct investment would result in some kind of modern day economic colonialism, which exposes host countries and leave them vulnerable to foreign companies’ exploitations.

Disappearance of cottage and small scale industries

Some of the products produced in cottage and village industries and also under small scale industries had to disappear from the market due to the onslaught of the products coming from FDIs. Example: Multinational soft drinks.

Setback To The Trade Balance

FDI in retailing can upset the import balance, as large international retailers may prefer to source

majority of their products globally rather than investing in the local markets.

Contribution to the pollution

Foreign direct investments contribute to pollution problem in the country. The developed countries have shifted some of their pollution-borne industries to the developing countries. The major victim is automobile industries. Most of these are shifted to developing countries and thus they have escaped pollution.

Exchange crisis

Foreign Direct Investments are one of the reason for exchange crisis at times. During the year 2000, the Southeast Asian countries experienced currency crisis because of the presence of FDls. With inflation contributed by them, exports have dwindled resulting in heavy fall in the value of domestic currency. As a result of this, the FDIs started withdrawing their capital leading to an exchange crisis. Thus, too much dependence on FDls will create exchange crisis.

Cultural erosion

In all the countries where the FDls have made an inroad, there has been a cultural shock experienced by the local people, adopting a different culture alien to the country. The domestic culture either disappears or suffers a setback. This is felt in the family structure, social setup and erosion in the value system of the people. Importance given to human relations, hither to suffers a setback with the hi-fi style of living.

Monopoly In The Customer Market And Creation Of Cartels By The Global Players

Foreign players may create monopoly by providing products at discounted rates in the beginning to grab the market share by displacing domestic giants and after getting good market or monopoly in the market may create a cartel of global giants to exploit the customers by inducing price hike and customers would not get any option than to purchase at the available prices

Towering Effect on Real Estate Prices

The entry of global players may have towering impact on the real estate prices. With intensified fight for space in cities, the race may result in steep rise in real estate prices which could be counterproductive for the domestic players.

Huge Spread of Retail Chain Stores

Financially strong giants will spread their function at multiple location to cater to maximum markets with full fledge infrastructure which is not possible for domestic player to cater.

Political corruption

In order to capture the foreign market, the FDIs have gone to the extent of even corrupting the high officials or the political bosses in various countries. Lockheed scandal of Japan is an example. In certain countries, the FDIs influence the political setup for achieving their personal gains. Most of the Latin American countries have experienced such a problem. Example: Drug trafficking, laundering of money, etc.

Inflation in the Economy

The presence of FDIs has also contributed to the inflation in the country. They spend lot of money on advertisement and on consumer promotion. This is done at the cost of the consumers and the price is increased. They also form cartels to control the market and exploit the consumer. The biggest world cartel, OPEC is an example of FDI exploiting the consumers.

Trade Deficit

The introduction of TRIPs (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights) and TRIMs (Trade Related Investment Measures) has restricted the production of certain products in other countries. For example, India cannot manufacture certain medicines without paying royalties to the country which has originally invented the medicine. The same thing applies to seeds which are used in agriculture. Thus, the developing countries are made to either import the products or produce them through FDIs at a higher cost. WTO (World Trade Organization) is in favor of FDIs.

World Bank and lMF Aid

Some of the developing countries have criticized the World Bank and IMF (International Monetary Fund) in extending assistance. There is a discrimination shown by these international agencies. Only those countries which accommodate FDIs will receive more assistance from these international institutions.

Convertibility of Currency

FDIs are insisting on total convertibility of currencies in under-developed countries as a prerequisite for investment. This may not be possible in many countries as there may not be sufficient foreign currency reserve to accommodate convertibility. In the absence of such a facility, it is dangerous to allow the FDIs as they may withdraw their investments the moment they find their investments unprofitable.

Conclusion

Given the WTO regime India is a party to, the entry of FDI in the retail sector is inevitable. FDI is important as India would require huge investments in the coming years to overhaul its infrastructure sector to boost growth. Healthy growth in foreign inflows helps maintain the balance of payments and the value of the rupee. However, foreign direct investment also carries risks, and it is highly important to evaluate the economic climate thoroughly before doing it.

Hence, with the instruments of public policy in its hands, the government can create conditions that slow down their entry.

Japan has done this quite effectively. In this fashion, the Government can try to ensure that the domestic and foreign players are approximately on an equal footing and that the domestic traders are not at an especial disadvantage.