A snapshot of India's retail trade industry

The government on Thursday allowed 51 per cent foreign investment in the multi-brand retail, paving way for global chains like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco to open mega stores in 53 major cities. The Cabinet also increased the foreign investment (FDI) ceiling to 100 per cent from the present 51 per cent in single-brand retail .

Size of retail trade industry : Around $400 billion

Projection by 2014: $900 billion

Percentage share of organised segment in retail: Just 6 per cent

Share in gross domestic product: Around 15 per cent

Share in total employment: 8 per cent

Foreign equity permitted in cash-and-carry: 100 per cent

Foreign equity permitted in single brand retailing: 100 per cent

Foreign equity permitted in multi-brand retailing: 51 per cent

Foreign equity first permitted in single brand: Feb 10, 2006

Foreign equity permitted in wholesale with government approval: Jan 17, 1997.

Foreign equity permitted in wholesale under automatic route: Feb 10, 2006