Rajasthan has finally announced its unstinted support for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the state’s support for FDI in retail in a letter to Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

In the letter, Mr. Gehlot said, "I would like to assure the unstinted cooperation and support of the Rajasthan government for liberalising and opening up of this sector.”

Confirming the state’s support for the Centre's decision to liberalise and opening up of the multi-brand retail, Mr. Gehlot claimed the move would enhance availability of quality goods, improve competitiveness, attract investments and create new job opportunities.

He added that the move would unlock the true potential of the agricultural value-chain, would provide Indian entrepreneurs with access to world-class design and management practices.

On November 24 last year, the Government at the centre had announced its decision to allow foreign investors to have 51 per cent stake in multi-brand retail businesses, but the decision couldn’t be implemented due to strong resistance from several UPA allies, such as Trinamool Congress, and many state governments.

Rajasthan is not the first state that has confirmed its support for FDI in multi-brand retail. Delhi, Uttarakhand and Manipur have already announced their support for the decision.