Global retail giant Walmart has resumed its lobbying with US lawmakers on matters related to foreign direct
investment (FDI) in India and it spent $1.5 million on about 50 specific issues, including those related to Indian market, during the last quarter.
Discussions regarding FDI in India is one of the ten-odd specific issues in the area of trade that were carried out by registered lobbyists on behalf of Walmart during third quarter of 2013, according to its latest Lobbying Disclosure Form submitted to the US Senate.
Overall, Walmart lobbyists discussed nearly 50 'specific issues'with the US lawmakers during the quarter resulting into total expenses of $1.5 million relating to lobbying activities for the reporting period, shows the 19-page disclosure report.
Walmart's lobbying activities covered the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of State, US Trade Representatives, US Agency for International Development and the Department of Labour.
As per Congressional records, Walmart had halted its lobbying with the US lawmakers and federal agencies on India-specific issues in the preceding quarter after seeking their support for about five years to facilitate its entry into the high-growth Indian retail market. However, such lobbying activities resumed during the last quarter - a period which also saw hectic parleys in India with regard to Walmart's business activities in the country.
After months of discussions, Walmart earlier this month announced buyout of
Bharti Group's 50-per cent stake in their wholesale retail
business in India.
Meanwhile, Tata appear to have stepped up their lobbying in the US on various matters, including those related to immigration reforms and technical education issues, after remaining inactive on this front for over two years.
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