Italy keen to set up Gucci, Armani stores in India

New Delhi: Terming India’s decision to allow 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in single-brand retail

as a “revolution”, Italy today said several companies have shown interest in setting up stores in the country.

Italian Trade Commissioner Erica Di Giovancarlo said businessmen of both the countries can collaborate in sectors

like automobiles, fashion and textiles through joint ventures.
“This decision (allowing 100 percent FDI in single–brand) of the government is a revolution in this market. I am

sure it will catch interest of lot of companies…,” Giovancarlo told PTI.

The decision has paved the way for global Italian chains like Armani, Gucci and Prada to have full ownership of

their India operations.

Italy, a world leader in fashion designing, is interested to setting up businesses here. “Italy is known for

fashion. Indian designs are growing very fast. It will be interesting to see how two countries can match. We are

working hard on
this,” she said.

She said in order to bolster trade ties between the two countries, Italy is also organising a three-day ‘Expo Riva

Schuh Fair’ here from 5 July.

The exhibition will offer high-end products which include bags, belts, footwears and leather accessories. “Its a

good meeting point of local needs and Italian products,” she said.

However, the third-largest economy in Europe, will wait for the economic situation to recover in its region, before

making investments here.

The Italian companies, mainly the SMEs are facing tough situation due to slowdown. “We have to wait as situation in

Italy is very tough but the interest in this country (India) is very high,” Giovancarlo added.

The bilateral between India and Italy stood at $ 8.8 billion during 2010-11.