Fdi In India

Investment in India - Investing in India - Venturing into the Indian Market Investment in Indian market India, among the European investors, is believed to be a good investment despite political uncertainty, bureaucratic hassles, shortages of power and infrastructural deficiencies. India presents a vast potential for overseas investment and is actively encouraging the entrance of foreign players into the market. No company, of any size, aspiring to be a global player can, for long ignore this country which is expected to become one of the top three emerging economies. Success in India Success in India will depend on the correct estimation of the country's potential, underestimation of its complexity or overestimation of its possibilities can lead to failure. While calculating, due consideration should be given to the factor of the inherent difficulties and uncertainties of functioning in the Indian system.Entering India's marketplace requires a well-designed plan backed by serious thought and careful research. For those who take the time and look to India as an opportunity for long-term growth, not short-term profit- the trip will be well worth the effort. Market potential India is the fifth largest economy in the world (ranking above France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Russia) and has the third largest GDP in the entire continent of Asia. It is also the second largest among emerging nations. (These indicators are based on purchasing power parity.) India is also one of the few markets in the world which offers high prospects for growth and earning potential in practically all areas of business.Yet, despite the practically unlimited possibilities in India for overseas businesses, the world's most populous democracy has, until fairly recently, failed to get the kind of enthusiastic attention generated by other emerging economies such as China. Lack of enthusiasm among investors The reason being, after independence from Britain 50 years ago, India developed a highly protected, semi-socialist autarkic economy. Structural and bureaucratic impediments were vigorously fostered, along with a distrust of foreign business. Even as today the climate in India has seen a seachange, smashing barriers and actively seeking foreign investment, many companies still see it as a difficult market. India is rightfully quoted to be an incomparable country and is both frustrating and challenging at the same time. Foreign investors should be prepared to take India as it is with all of its difficulties, contradictions and challenges. Developing a basic understanding or potential of the Indian market, envisaging and developing a Market Entry Strategy and implementing these strategies when actually entering the market are three basic steps to make a successful entry into India. Developing a basic understanding or potential of the Indian market The Indian middle class is large and growing; wages are low; many workers are well educated and speak English; investors are optimistic and local stocks are up; despite political turmoil, the country presses on with economic reforms.But there is still cause for worriesInfrastructural hassles. The rapid economic growth of the last few years has put heavy stress on India's

infrastructural facilities. The projections of further expansion in key areas could snap the already strained lines of transportation unless massive programs of expansion and modernization are put in place. Problems include power demand shortfall, port traffic capacity mismatch, poor road conditions (only half of the country's roads are surfaced), low telephone penetration (1.4% of population). Indian Bureaucracy. Although the Indian government is well aware of the need for reform and is pushing ahead in this area, business still has to deal with an inefficient and sometimes still slow-moving bureaucracy. Diverse Market . The Indian market is widely diverse. The country has 17 official languages, 6 major religions, and ethnic diversity as wide as all of Europe. Thus, tastes and preferences differ greatly among sections of consumers. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a good understanding of the Indian market and overall economy before taking the plunge. Research firms in India can provide the information to determine how, when and where to enter the market. There are also companies which can guide the foreign firm through the entry process from beginning to end --performing the requisite research, assisting with configuration of the project, helping develop Indian partners and financing, finding the land or ready premises, and pushing through the paperwork required. Developing up-front takes: Market Study Is there a need for the products/services/technology? What is the probable market for the product/service? Where is the market located? Which mix of products and services will find the most acceptability and be the most likely to generate sales? What distribution and sales channels are available? What costs will be involved? Who is the competi Check on Economic Policies The general economic direction in India is toward liberalization and globalization. But the process is slow. Before jumping into the market, it is necessary to discover whether government policies exist relating to the particular area of business and if there are political concerns which should be taken into account.

Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Introduction Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permited as under the following forms of investments. • • • •

Through Through Through Through

financial collaborations. joint ventures and technical collaborations. capital markets via Euro issues. private placements or preferential allotments.

Forbidden Territories: FDI is not permitted in the following industrial sectors: • • • • •

Arms and ammunition. Atomic Energy. Railway Transport. Coal and lignite. Mining of iron, manganese, chrome, gypsum, sulphur, gold, diamonds, copper, zinc.

Foreign Investment through GDRs (Euro Issues) Foreign Investment through GDRs is treated as Foreign Direct Investment Indian companies are allowed to raise equity capital in the international market through the issue of Global Depository Receipt (GDRs). GDRs are designated in dollars and are not subject to any ceilings on investment. An applicant company seeking Government's approval in this regard should have consistent track record for good performance (financial or otherwise) for a minimum period of 3 years. This condition would be relaxed for infrastructure projects such as power generation, telecommunication, petroleum exploration and refining, ports, airports and roads. Clearance from FIPB There is no restriction on the number of Euro-issue to be floated by a company or a group of companies in the financial year . A company engaged in the manufacture of items covered under Annex-III of the New Industrial Policy whose direct foreign investment after a proposed Euro issue is likely to exceed 51% or which is implementing a project not contained in Annex-III, would need to obtain prior FIPB clearance before seeking final approval from Ministry of Finance. Use of GDRs The proceeds of the GDRs can be used for financing capital goods imports, capital expenditure including domestic purchase/installation of plant, equipment and building and investment in software development, prepayment or scheduled repayment of earlier external borrowings, and equity investment in JV/WOSs in India. Restrictions However, investment in stock markets and real estate will not be permitted. Companies may retain the proceeds abroad or may remit funds into India in anticiption of the use of funds for approved end uses. Any investment from a foreign firm into India requires the prior approval of the Government of India. Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Approval Foreign direct investments in India are approved through two routes: Automatic approval by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India accords automatic approval within a period of two weeks (provided certain parameters are met) to all proposals involving: • • • •

foreign equity up to 50% in 3 categories relating to mining activities (List 2). foreign equity up to 51% in 48 specified industries (List 3). foreign equity up to 74% in 9 categories (List 4). where List 4 includes items also listed in List 3, 74% participation shall apply.

The lists are comprehensive and cover most industries of interest to foreign companies. Investments in high-priority industries or for trading companies primarily engaged in exporting are given almost automatic approval by the RBI. Opening an office in India Opening an office in India for the aforesaid incorporates assessing the commercial opportunity for self, planning business, obtaining legal, financial, official, environmental, and tax advice as needed, choosing legal and capital structure, selecting a location, obtaining personnel, developing a product marketing strategy and more.

The FIPB Route: Processing of non-automatic approval cases FIPB stands for Foreign Investment Promotion Board which approves all other cases where the parameters of automatic approval are not met. Normal processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. Its approach is liberal for all sectors and all types of proposals, and rejections are few. It is not necessary for foreign investors to have a local partner, even when the foreign investor wishes to hold less than the entire equity of the company. The portion of the equity not proposed to be held by the foreign investor can be offered to the public. Total foreign investment and FDI Total foreign investment in IFY 1997-98 was estimated at dols 4.8 billion in 1997-98, compared to dols 6 billion in 1996-97. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 1997-98 was an estimated dols 3.1 billion, up from dols 2.7 billion in1996-97. The government is likely to double FDI inflows within two years. Foreign portfolio investment by foreign institutional investors was significantly lower at dols 752 million for fiscal 1997-98, down compared to dols 1.9 billion in1996-97, partly reflecting the effect of the recent crisis in Asia. Foreign institutional investors Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers from November 1997 through January 1998. The outflow, prompted by the economic and currency crisis in Asia and some volatility in the Indian rupee, was modest compared to the roughly dols 9 billion which has been invested in India by FIIs since 1992. FII investments FII net investment declined to dols 1.5 billion for IFY 1997-98, compared to dols 2.2 billion in 1996-97. The trend reversed itself in February and March 1998, reflecting the renewed stability of the rupee and relatively attractive valuations on Indian stock markets. Large outflows of capital Large outflows began again in May 1998, following India's nuclear tests and volatility in the rupee/dollar exchange rate. In an effort to avoid further heavy outflows, the RBI announced in June that FIIs would be allowed to hedge their incremental investments in Indian markets after June11, 1998.

Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Introduction Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permited as under the following forms of

investments. 1. Through financial collaborations. 2. Through joint ventures and technical collaborations. 3. Through capital markets via Euro issues. 4. Through private placements or preferential allotments. Forbidden Territories: FDI is not permitted in the following industrial sectors:

1. Arms and ammunition. 2. Atomic Energy. 3. Railway Transport. 4. Coal and lignite. 5. Mining of iron, manganese, chrome, gypsum, sulphur, gold, diamonds, copper, zinc. Foreign Investment through GDRs (Euro Issues) Foreign Investment through GDRs is treated as Foreign Direct Investment Indian companies are allowed to raise equity capital in the international market through the issue of Global Depository Receipt (GDRs). GDRs are designated in dollars and are not subject to any ceilings on investment. An applicant company seeking Government's approval in this regard should have consistent track record for good performance (financial or otherwise) for a minimum period of 3 years. This condition would be relaxed for infrastructure projects such as power generation, telecommunication, petroleum exploration and refining, ports, airports and roads. Clearance from FIPB There is no restriction on the number of Euro-issue to be floated by a company or a group of companies in the financial year . A company engaged in the manufacture of items covered under Annex-III of the New Industrial Policy whose direct foreign investment after a proposed Euro issue is likely to exceed 51% or which is implementing a project not contained in Annex-III, would need to obtain prior FIPB clearance before seeking final approval from Ministry of Finance. Use of GDRs The proceeds of the GDRs can be used for financing capital goods imports, capital expenditure including domestic purchase/installation of plant, equipment and building and investment in software development, prepayment or scheduled repayment of earlier external borrowings, and equity investment in JV/WOSs in India. Restrictions However, investment in stock markets and real estate will not be permitted. Companies may retain the proceeds abroad or may remit funds into India in anticiption of the use of funds for approved end uses. Any investment from a foreign firm into India requires the prior approval of the Government of India.

Euro Issues by Indian Companies

Indian companies are permitted to raise foreign currency resources through issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) and/or issue of ordinary equity shares through Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)/American Depository Receipts (ADRs) to foreign investors i.e. institutional investors or individuals (including NRIs) residing abroad. Applications for necessary permission should be made to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi. After obtaining the necessary approval from the Government, the Indian company should submit an application to the General Manager, Foreign Investment Division, Exchange Control Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai - 400 001 enclosing a copy of the application made to the Government and the in-principle/final approval granted by the Government, for necessary permission for issue/acquisition of shares to/by non-residents, remittance of issue expenses, opening of foreign currency accounts, etc. The FCCBs/GDRs/ADRs issued by Indian companies to non-residents have free convertibility outside India. As regards transfer of shares (on conversion of GDRs/ADRs into shares) in favour of residents, the non-resident holder of GDRs/ADRs should approach the Overseas Depository bank with a request to the Domestic Custodian bank to get the corresponding underlying shares released in favour of the non-resident investor for being sold by the non-resident or for being transferred in the books of the issuing company in the name of the non-resident. Reserve Bank has granted general exemption vide its Notification No.F.E.R.A.185/98-RB dated 19th August 1998, permitting transfer of shares from non-residents to residents, provided a. such shares were released by the Indian custodian of a GDR/ADR issue against surrender of GDRs/ADRs by the non-resident concerned and b. the sale is made on a stock exchange or the shares are offered for sale in terms of an offer made under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 1997. Authorized dealers may allow remittance of sale proceeds of such underlying shares on verification of the following documents:a. Release Order in original from the Domestic Custodian bank of the GDR/ADR issue. b. Sale note from a SEBI registered broker/merchant banker showing the number of shares transferred and the amount of sale proceeds. c. An undertaking/Accountant's certificate regarding payment of Income-tax Authorized dealers may also allow the non-resident transferor to keep the above mentioned shares in their safe custody till the sale of the shares is effected and to open a non-resident non-interest bearing account to collect the sale proceeds of the shares. A statement giving details, such as the name of the company whose shares have been sold, number of shares sold and the amount remitted should be submitted to the General

Manager, Foreign Investment Division, Exchange Control Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai 400 001 within a period of 7 days from the date of effecting the remittance. The above general permission will be applicable for transfer of shares underlying GDRs/ADRs through stock exchange or under an offer made under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations 1997. All other cases including transfer of shares, on conversion of FCCBs into shares in favour of residents, will require approval of Reserve Bank. The Reserve Bank has granted general exemption vide its Notification No.F.E.R.A.193/99-RB dated 16th March 1999 permitting a. the non-resident holders of ADRs/GDRs issued by a company registered in India to acquire the underlying shares against surrender of ADRs/GDRs held by them when such shares are released by the Indian Custodian of the ADR/GDR issue b. the company/depository concerned to enter in its register or books an address outside India of the non-resident holder in respect of the underlying shares issued against surrender of ADRs/GDRs. In terms of Government guidelines, issue proceeds are required to be kept in foreign currency and can be utilized only for certain purposes such as for meeting the cost of expansion/diversification /acquisition/import of new plants and machinery, repayment of foreign currency loans, etc. as approved by the Government. Pending deployment of funds for approved purposes, the Indian company is allowed to keep the foreign currency funds abroad with foreign banks ( which are rated for short-term obligations as A1 + by Standard & Poor or P1 by Moody's ) or with branches of Indian banks abroad as deposits, or to invest them abroad in treasury bills and other monetary instruments with maturity not exceeding one year. Funds raised through GDRs/ADRs, FCCBs and ECBs will also be allowed to be invested in rated certificates of deposit abroad. The issue proceeds can also be kept in foreign currency accounts with authorized dealers/public financial institutions in India authorized to deal in foreign exchange. It will accordingly be in order for authorized dealers/public financial institutions to accept foreign currency deposits from Indian companies out of Euro Issue proceeds subject to the following conditions :a. The foreign currency deposits would carry interest at a rate not exceeding LIBOR for the respective period for which the deposit is accepted. b. Authorized dealers/public financial institutions with whom the foreign currency deposits are kept should not swap the foreign currency for rupees but use the amounts for on-lending in foreign currency to eligible clients.

c. Authorized dealers may also invest surplus foreign currency out of such Euro Issue proceeds as per the aforesaid norms. d. Authorized dealers/public financial institutions accepting the foreign currency deposits would be eligible to charge interest at the rate not exceeding 2.5 per cent over six months LIBOR for lending out of such funds. e. Authorized dealers will have to comply with the requirements of CRR/SLR as laid down by Reserve Bank from time to time. f. The deposits can be converted into Indian rupees only as and when expenditure for approved end uses (including upto a maximum of 15% of the proceeds earmarked for general corporate restructuring) are incurred by the Indian company. g. Authorized dealers/public financial institutions accepting such deposits as also the Indian company, as the case may be, should comply with the conditions stipulated by Government of India in their approval letters for such issues.

Foreign Investment Policy: The Ministry of Industry has expanded the list of industries eligible for automatic approval of foreign investments and, in certain cases, raised the upper level of foreign ownership from 51 percent to 74 percent and further in certain cases to 100 percent. In January 1998, the RBI announced simplified procedures for automatic FDI approvals. The announcement further provided that Indian companies will no longer require prior clearances from the RBI for inward remittances of foreign exchange or for the issuance of shares to foreign investors. Facilitating foreign investment In the recent budget, the finance minister announced the government's commitment to a 90-day period for approving all foreign investments. Government officers will be assigned to larger foreign investment proposals and will facilitate Central and State clearances in a time-bound manner. Unlisted companies with a good 3 year track record, have been permitted to raise funds in international markets through the issue of Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and American Depository Receipts (ADRs). A number of recent policy changes have reduced the discriminatory bias against foreign firms. • • •

The government has amended exchange control regulations previously applicable to companies with significant foreign participation. The ban against using foreign brand names/trademarks has been lifted. The FY 1994/95 budget reduced the corporate tax rate for foreign companies from 65 percent to 55 percent. The tax rate for domestic companies was lowered to 40 percent.

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The long-term capital gains rate for foreign companies was lowered to 20 percent; a 30 percent rate applies to domestic companies. The Indian Income Tax Act exempts export earnings from corporate income tax for both Indian and foreign firms.

Other policy changes have been introduced to encourage foreign direct and foreign institutional investment. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently formulated guidelines to facilitate the operations of foreign brokers in India on behalf of registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FII's). These brokers can now open foreign currency-denominated or rupee accounts for crediting inward remittances, commissions and brokerage fees. Relaxation The condition of dividend balancing (offsetting the outflow of foreign exchange for dividend payments against export earnings) has been eliminated for all but 22 consumer goods industries. A 5-year tax holiday is extended to enterprises engaged in development of infrastructural facilities. Even without a registered office in India, foreign companies are allowed to start multimodal transport services in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) now permits 100 percent foreign investment in the construction of roads/bridges. The peak custom duty rate was reduced to 50 percent from 65 percent in the March 1995 budget. Import regime changes included enhancement of the scope of Special Import License (SIL) programs, and the expansion of freely importable items on the Open General License (OGL) list to include some consumer goods. Dispute Settlement Currently, there are no investment disputes over expropriation or nationalization. Government demands for penalty payments for alleged overcharging by pharmaceutical companies during the 1980's could lead to de-facto expropriation of some foreign drug companies' assets in India. In pharmaceutical sector A committee has been named to study these longstanding disputes, but the failure of successive governments to produce a swift and transparent resolution has led to a virtual standstill in foreign investment in India's pharmaceutical sector. Indian courts provide adequate safeguards for the enforcement of property and contractual rights. Case backlogs However, case backlogs frequently lead to long procedural delays. India is not a member of the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, nor of the New York Convention of 1958. Commercial arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods are not yet popular ways of commercial dispute settlement in India. The recent introduction in Parliament of a new Arbitration Bill signals the importance now accorded to this matter by the GOI.

Investment in India - Foreign Direct Investment - Approval Foreign direct investments in India are approved through two routes: Automatic approval by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India accords automatic approval within a period of two weeks (provided certain parameters are met) to all proposals involving: • • • •

foreign equity up to 50% in 3 categories relating to mining activities (List 2). foreign equity up to 51% in 48 specified industries (List 3). foreign equity up to 74% in 9 categories (List 4). where List 4 includes items also listed in List 3, 74% participation shall apply.

The lists are comprehensive and cover most industries of interest to foreign companies. Investments in high-priority industries or for trading companies primarily engaged in exporting are given almost automatic approval by the RBI. Opening an office in India Opening an office in India for the aforesaid incorporates assessing the commercial opportunity for self, planning business, obtaining legal, financial, official, environmental, and tax advice as needed, choosing legal and capital structure, selecting a location, obtaining personnel, developing a product marketing strategy and more. The FIPB Route: Processing of non-automatic approval cases FIPB stands for Foreign Investment Promotion Board which approves all other cases where the parameters of automatic approval are not met. Normal processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. Its approach is liberal for all sectors and all types of proposals, and rejections are few. It is not necessary for foreign investors to have a local partner, even when the foreign investor wishes to hold less than the entire equity of the company. The portion of the equity not proposed to be held by the foreign investor can be offered to the public. Total foreign investment and FDI Total foreign investment in IFY 1997-98 was estimated at dols 4.8 billion in 1997-98, compared to dols 6 billion in 1996-97. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 1997-98 was an estimated dols 3.1 billion, up from dols 2.7 billion in1996-97. The government is likely to double FDI inflows within two years. Foreign portfolio investment by foreign institutional investors was significantly lower at dols 752 million for fiscal 1997-98, down compared to dols 1.9 billion in1996-97, partly reflecting the effect of the recent crisis in Asia. Foreign institutional investors Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers from November 1997 through January 1998. The outflow, prompted by the economic and currency crisis in Asia and some volatility in the Indian rupee, was modest compared to the roughly dols 9 billion which has been invested in India by FIIs since 1992. FII investments FII net investment declined to dols 1.5 billion for IFY 1997-98, compared to dols 2.2 billion in 1996-97. The trend reversed itself in February and March 1998, reflecting the renewed stability of the rupee and relatively attractive valuations on Indian stock markets. Large outflows of capital Large outflows began again in May 1998, following India's nuclear tests and volatility in the rupee/dollar exchange rate. In an effort to avoid further heavy outflows, the RBI announced in

June that FIIs would be allowed to hedge their incremental investments in Indian markets after June11, 1998.