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TheMoodieReport.com: "Paul Topping issues call for Indian duty free lobby group to be set up - 22/02/2006
Source: �The Moodie Report
By Hui Min Neo in Cochin
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INDIA. A strong call for a lobby group that champions the interests of duty free retailers and suppliers in India was made during the morning session of the inaugural India Duty Free Workshop today.

Alpha Asia Managing Director Paul Topping made the call as key speakers outlined the vast untapped potential of the travel retail business in India, as well as the issues surrounding the business environment here.

Flemingo India Director Atul Ahuja did not mince his words as he shared several problems his company encountered when starting up stores in different states across India.

For example, as the first independent private duty free operator here, Ahuja said his company�s application for an excise license at Bangalore was rejected on grounds that the department could not issue the license to private companies.

�We had to seek an order from the High Court of Karnataka to secure the license. This procedure took us nine months. We were paying all rents and royalties during this period,� he said.

Ahuja later told The Moodie Report: �We do not blame the government (for these problems). Even if a bureaucrat wants to help us, he would not have the powers to do it.�

The problem is that in India, there are currently no specific regulations governing the duty free industry.

Ahuja added that he is even prepared to lead the lobby group as his company has acquired the �experience� in working through the problems. "