World's largest retailer Walmart Inc today tried to assuage concerns around its USD 16 billion takeover of Flipkart, saying the deal is good for the country as it will help create millions of jobs over time and help the economy through local sourcing of goods by the company.
Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon played down not being able to meet either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any senior minister after announcing the world's biggest e-commerce deal, saying he has had meetings with officials in the past and would have them in future as well.
He saw "no trouble" in getting regulatory approval needed from the Competition Commission of India for the deal to buy 77 per cent stake in Flipkart.
"It is pretty clear that this (deal) is good for customers and would create jobs and help society," he said at a select media roundtable here.
Asked about 'icy demeanour' of the government in him not being able to meet the Prime Minister, and the Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu's changing plans at the last moment, he said he did not take the events as cold reception.
"I didn't really take it that way," he said. "We deal with the government at all kinds of levels all the time... we have met before and I am sure will meet again."
McMillon, however, said he saw no problems in getting support for the deal. "I haven't had any concern about support and I think this investment is good for the country and people generally realize that."
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