JOIN USThe Centre on Monday said eCommerce guidelines have brought in “greater clarity” about the sector and they will provide a level-playing field to both online and offline stores.
“I am very enthused and encouraged by various write-ups in newspapers that the clarification indeed has brought in greater clarity and also probably checked predatory pricing and discount giving exercises,”Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters here on the sidelines of a CII function.
She said the market is free and the government does not believe in interfering in it, adding, “somewhere we have to ensure Indian players and Indian market situation does not get unnecessarily skewed to distort any free trade practices.”
The minister’s statement assumes significance as some industry experts have raised concerns over certain conditions of the eCommerce guidelines, including one that states that players would not directly or indirectly influence prices of the products.
While the government has permitted 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in marketplace eCommerce retailing, the guidelines stated that such entities will not directly or indirectly influence the sale price of goods and services and shall maintain a level-playing field.
The minister also said negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Australia are moving forward and both sides are “probably getting nearer” to conclude talks.