Economy of India
Currency 1 Indian Rupee (INR) (₨) = 100 Paise
Fiscal year April 1–March 31
Trade organisations WTO, SAFTA
Statistics
GDP (PPP) $5.21 trillion (PPP) (2008 est.) (3rd)
GDP growth 9.6% (2006/07)
GDP per capita $978 (nominal); $2,659 (PPP) [7]
GDP by sector agriculture: 19.9%, industry: 19.3%, services: 60.7% (2006 est.)
Inflation (CPI) 12.01% (26 July 2008)[1]
Population below poverty line 25% (2002 est.) [8]
Labour force 509.3 million (2006 est.)
Labour force by occupation agriculture: 60%, industry: 12%, services: 28% (2003)
Unemployment 7.8% (2006 est.)
Main industries textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, services
External
Exports $125 billion (Financial Year 2006-2007)
Export goods textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures, services
Main export partners US 18%, the People's Republic of China 8.9%, UAE 8.4%, UK 4.7%, Hong Kong 4.2% (2005)
Imports $187.9 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)
Import goods crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals
Main import partners the People's Republic of China 7.2%, US 6.4%, Belgium 5.1%, Singapore 4.7%, Australia 4.2%, Germany 4.2%, UK 4.1% (2005)
Public finances
Public debt $132.1 billion (2006 est.)
Revenues $109.4 billion (2006 est.)
Expenses $143.8 billion; including capital expenditures of $15 billion (2006 est.)
Economic aid donor: $17.3 million (2006)

Monday, September 8, 2008

Indian Retail Industry

The retail industry in India gathered a new dimension with the setting up of the different International Brand Outlets, Hyper or Super markets, shopping malls and departmental stores.

Key Players in the Indian Retail Sector:

The untapped scope of retailing has attracted superstores like Wal-Mart into India, leaving behind the kiranas that served us for years. Such companies are basically IT based. The other important participants in the Indian Retail sector are Bata, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons, Archies, Cafe Coffee Day, landmark, Khadims, Crossword, to name a few.

Retailing in India: a forecast:

Evolution of Indian retail Industry:


Indian Retail Industry is standing at its point of inflexion, waiting for the boom to take place. The inception of the retail industry dates back to times where retail stores were found in the village fairs , Melas or in the weekly markets. These stores were highly unorganized. The maturity of the retail sector took place with the establishment of retail stores in the locality for convenience. With the government intervention the retail industry in India took a new shape. Outlets for Public Distribution System, Cooperative stores and Khadi stores were set up. These retail Stores demanded low investments for its establishment.
Future of organized retail in India looks bright. According to recent researches it is projected to grow at a rate of about 37% in 2007 and at a rate of 42% in 2008. It will capture a share of 10% of the total retailing by the end of 2010.

According to the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Kamal Nath, the organized retail sector is expected to grow to a value of Rs. 2,00,000 crore (US$45 billion) and may generate 10 to15 million jobs in next 5 years. This can happen in two forms- 2.5 million of these people may be associated directly with retailing and the rest 10 million people may be gainfully employed in related sectors that will be pulled up through the strong forward and backward linkage effects.

However to compete in this sector one needs to have up-to-date market information for planing and decision making. The second most important requirement is to manage costs widely in order to earn at least normal profits in face of stiff competition.

No comments: