French retail giant Carrefour has reportedly postponed plans to enter the Indian retail arena until the government policy on foreign direct investment (FDI) is clarified.

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Indian regulations governing FDI bar international retailers from directly establishing multi-brand chains. However, they are permitted to operate through franchisees in cooperation with Indian companies.


Previously, Carrefour was understood to be close to a deal set up shop in India through a partnership with an Indian company. However, Carrefour’s India chief Gerard Freiszmuth has reportedly ruled out any such move.


“We will not be in a position to announce any concrete India entry plan till policy issues on foreign direct investment in retail are made clear,” he was quoted as saying in the Economic Times.


When contacted by just-food today (27 April) Carrefour declined to comment on its plans for the market.

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