Centre calls states for meeting on e-commerce FDI

The Commerce and Industry Ministry has called a meeting of states on July 15 to discuss foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce retailing and other related issues.

The issues which would come up for deliberations include <g data-gr-id="19">definition</g> of e-commerce, tax related matters besides other pertaining to working of <g data-gr-id="20">e-commerce</g> industry, sources said.

The ministry has written a letter to all Chief Ministers requesting them to nominate the concerned minister on the matter to participate in the meeting, which will be chaired by Commerce and industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, they said.

Last month, the ministry discussed the matter with all stakeholders, including major domestic e-commerce companies such as Flipkart and Snapdeal.

After that meeting, Sitharaman had said the meeting was to understand the broader context of e-commerce and whether FDI in the sector is affecting the level-playing field of the brick and mortar stores.

At present, 100 per cent foreign direct investment is allowed only in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce and not in the retail segment.