Walmart Resumes U.S. Lobbying On FDI In India

“Discussions regarding foreign direct investment in India ”is one of the 10-odd specific issues in the area of trade that were carried out by registered lobbyists on behalf of Walmart during third quarter of 2013, according to its latest Lobbying Disclosure Form submitted to the U.S. Senate.

Overall, Walmart lobbyists discussed nearly 50 ‘specific issues’ with the U.S. lawmakers during the quarter, resulting into total expenses of $1.5 million relating to lobbying activities for the reporting period, shows the 19-page disclosure report.

Walmart’s lobbying activities covered the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of State, U.S. Trade Representatives, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Labour, among others.

As per Congressional records, Walmart had halted its lobbying with the U.S. lawmakers and federal agencies on India-specific issues in the preceding quarter, after seeking their support for about five years to facilitate its entry into the high-growth Indian retail market.

However, such lobbying activities resumed during the last quarter — a period which also saw hectic parleys in India with regard to Walmart’s business activities in the country.

After months of discussions, Walmart earlier this month announced buyout of Bharti group’s 50 per cent stake in their wholesale retail business in India.

Walmart has also been requesting the Indian government to further relax norms for FDI in multi—brand retail business, where 51 per cent foreign equity was allowed last year despite opposition by various political parties.

Incidentally, a probe report on Walmart’s lobbying for entering India may soon be discussed by the Union Cabinet. The probe is said to have remained inconclusive as Walmart and others did not provide required information.

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