Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Anand Sharma today said that no state will be forced to implement FDI in multi-brand retail. He was speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the “India International Jewellery Show” organized by the Gems and Jewellery Exports Promotion Council in Mumbai. He said that ten states have already endorsed the Centre's decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail. He said that opening up of the sector would help farmers, consumers as well as small entrepreneurs as integrated infrastructure will benefit the rural economy. He hoped that the states not in the favour of this move will gradually see the benefit.

Mr. Sharma today also said that the government is considering amendments in the rules related to Special Economic Zones. He said that the government wants to ensure that SEZs remain attractive destinations for investments. Concerned by the decreasing exports from SEZs; Mr. Sharma said that the government is working closely with the industry leaders to formulate measures regarding SEZ exports.

Talking about the withdrawal of Minimum Alternate Tax and the Dividend Distribution Tax, Mr. Sharma said that he has already urged the Finance Minister to reconsider the issue. He said that considering the economic slowdown, access to cheap credit at suitable interest rates should be made available.

Talking about the gems and jewellery sector, Mr. Sharma said that the government recognizes the inherent strengths of this sector in terms of its employability potential. He informed that to enhance the skills of workers, the government will soon set up two training centers at Domjur in West Bengal and Khambat in Gujarat.