 Small retailers fear that they will lose business |
A visit to India by Wal-Mart executives has sparked protests by small shopkeepers worried about its plans for a tie-up with Bharti Enterprises. Communist protesters were briefly arrested after they marched on government buildings in Delhi, waving placards saying "Save small retailers".
Wal-Mart vice-chairman Michael Duke is in Mumbai for talks with Bharti bosses and government representatives.
Wal-Mart and Bharti are planning a joint venture for cash-and-carry.
Foreign interest
A statement from Wal-Mart says Mr Duke is visiting India "to learn more about the market first-hand and to further explore the wholesale cash-and-carry business".
The protestors burned an effigy representing Wal-Mart near the office of Kamal Nath, the Indian commerce and trade minister.
India's retail industry is worth about $300bn (�150bn) a year and has attracted the interest of international retailers such as Metro, Carrefour and Tesco.
A spokesman for India FDI Watch, which tries to limit the growth of foreign retailers in India, says Wal-Mart's entry threatens large numbers of jobs.
"Around 40 million people depend on the retail sector and these people's livelihoods will be ruined if Wal-Mart is permitted to enter India's retail market," he said.
Indian law currently allows foreign multi-brand retailers to run only cash-and-carry or franchise businesses.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
