Solutions to Assignments
IBO-01 International Business Environment
Solutions to Question No. 2 (B)
- Advantages of Foreign Direct Investment.
1. Economic Development Stimulation.
Foreign direct investment can stimulate the target country’s economic development, creating a more conducive environment for you as the investor and benefits for the local industry.
2. Easy International Trade.
Commonly, a country has its own import tariff, and this is one of the reasons why trading with it is quite difficult. Also, there are industries that usually require their presence in the international markets to ensure their sales and goals will be completely met. With FDI, all these will be made easier.
3. Employment and Economic Boost.
Foreign direct investment creates new jobs, as investors build new companies in the target country, create new opportunities. This leads to an increase in income and more buying power to the people, which in turn leads to an economic boost.
4. Development of Human Capital Resources.
One big advantage brought about by FDI is the development of human capital resources, which is also often understated as it is not immediately apparent. Human capital is the competence and knowledge of those able to perform labor, more known to us as the workforce. The attributes gained by training and sharing experience would increase the education and overall human capital of a country. Its resource is not a tangible asset that is owned by companies, but instead something that is on loan. With this in mind, a country with FDI can benefit greatly by developing its human resources while maintaining ownership.
5. Tax Incentives.
Parent enterprises would also provide foreign direct investment to get additional expertise, technology and products. As the foreign investor, you can receive tax incentives that will be highly useful in your selected field of business.
6. Resource Transfer.
Foreign direct investment will allow resource transfer and other exchanges of knowledge, where various countries are given access to new technologies and skills.
- Disadvantages of Foreign Direct Investment
1. Hindrance to Domestic Investment.
As it focuses its resources elsewhere other than the investor’s home country, foreign direct investment can sometimes hinder domestic investment.
2. Risk from Political Changes.
Because political issues in other countries can instantly change, foreign direct investment is very risky. Plus, most of the risk factors that you are going to experience are extremely high.
3. Negative Influence on Exchange Rates.
Foreign direct investments can occasionally affect exchange rates to the advantage of one country and the detriment of another.
4. Higher Costs.
If you invest in some foreign countries, you might notice that it is more expensive than when you export goods. So, it is very imperative to prepare sufficient money to set up your operations.
5. Economic Non-Viability.
Considering that foreign direct investments may be capital-intensive from the point of view of the investor, it can sometimes be very risky or economically non-viable.
6. Expropriation.
Remember that political changes can also lead to expropriation, which is a scenario where the government will have control over your property and assets.
- Role of FDI in economic development
FDI plays an important role in the economic development of a country. The capital inflow of foreign investors allows strengthening infrastructure, increasing productivity and creating employment opportunities in India. Additionally, FDI acts as a medium to acquire advanced technology and mobilize foreign exchange resources. Availability of foreign exchange reserves in the country allows RBI (the central banking institution of India) to intervene in the foreign exchange market and control any adverse movement in order to stabilize the foreign exchange rates. As a result, it provides a more favourable economic environment for the development of Indian economy.
The Indian government has initiated steps to promote FDI as they set an investor-friendly policy where most of the sectors are open for FDI under the automatic route (meaning no need to take prior approval for investment by the Government or the Reserve Bank of India). The FDI policy is reviewed on a continuous basis with the purpose that India remains an investor-friendly and attractive FDI destination. FDI covers various sectors such as Defence, Pharmaceuticals, Asset Reconstruction Companies, Broadcasting, Trading, Civil Aviation, Construction and Retail, etc.
In the Union Budget 2018, the cabinet approved 100% FDI under the automatic route for single-brand retail trading. Under this change, the non-resident entity is permitted to commence retail trading of ‘single brand’ product in India for a particular brand. Additionally, the Indian government has also permitted 100% FDI for construction sector under the automatic route. Foreign airlines are permitted to invest up to 49% under the approval route in Air India.
The main purpose of these relaxations in foreign investment by the government is to bring international best practices and employee the latest technologies which propel manufacturing sector and employment generation in India. To boost manufacturing sector with a focus on ‘Make in India’ initiative, the government has allowed manufacturers to sell their products through the medium of wholesale and retail, including e-commerce under the automatic route.
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