'Our retail sector can compete against the best'

BANGALORE, INDIA: Infosys Ltd executive co-chairman Kris S. Gopalakrishnan is all for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector.

"India has benefited from being a part of the global environment (in this regard),” he observed at an exclusive interaction as the guest editor of CIOL on Wednesday.

In order to continue the momentum, the country has achieved by doing so in the past, according to Gopalakrishnan, “As well as to better the quality of lives, we have to be a part of the global economy.”

The private retail sector in the country, Gopalakrishnan strongly believed, could compete against the best of international majors from across the globe.

“So, we should continue to open up (to the other players to enter the local market),” said the co-founder of the software major.

He added his wish that the government retracts its stand. “Hopefully, they will revisit the decision.”

Reacting to some recent statements made by Communications Minister Kapil Sibal about objectionable content on social networking websites, Gopalakrishnan said that it was important for individual privacy and freedom of expression have to be protected.

“It has to be done through legal framework, even if any anonymous person does it (intrudes/violates/breaches privacy), government has the right to investigate the issue,” he explained, adding that the government’s view on censorship should also be given due credence.

As for controversial but legal statements on websites, Gopalakrishnan felt that the government could be more lenient.