Most Indian Construction companies specialise in specific industries and are not in a position to undertake large turnkey projects. Almost 90% of the construction companies are engaged in domestic market with only a few of them engaged in exports, concentrated mainly in the South Asian and Middle East markets. The construction services exported include project management, engineering and architectural consultancy, design engineering and maintenance services. Export of construction services takes place largely through intergovernmental agreements, bilateral initiatives or as part of international aid. It is often the case that countries that receive aid award contracts to firms from donor countries. Entry into foreign markets through competitive bidding remains limited. In recent years, some of the large Indian construction companies have started entering foreign markets through a consortium.
In Sri Lanka, there is a need for development of infrastructure particularly in the construction of highways, bridges, railways, roads and buildings. The government of Sri Lanka has given priority to the development of infrastructure by encouraging private participation, both domestic and foreign, through attractive fiscal and tax concessions such as full tax holiday, concessionary tax and import duty exemption on capital goods. Several countries have given international credit to Sri Lanka for the development of infrastructure in the country. Such contracts are usually awarded to companies from the donor countries.
Several Indian construction companies have entered into the Sri Lankan market and are engaged in building and civil construction. The most important investors in residential construction are Ansals and SMS Property Developers. Both have wholly owned subsidiaries in Sri Lanka. The reasons cited for choosing Sri Lanka are geographical proximity, initiative taken by the Sri Lankan government in wooing Indian investment in this sector and demand for housing in Sri Lanka. The Indian construction companies have faced several barriers. For instance, even though clearance from BOI does not take any time, a number of clearances have to be obtained from multiple agencies that includes Urban Development Authority, Land Reclamation Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Also the government has failed to provide infrastructure and other ancillary services required for residential complexes. Lack of information on the housing market has made it difficult for the Indian investors to gauge the demand for housing. Ansals have constructed the residential complex on the outskirts of Colombo in areas such as Horana and Gampha but demand for housing in these areas is limited as all commercial activities and allied facilities are concentrated in the heart of Colombo. Perhaps the most limiting factor has been lack of adequate housing finance. Availability of housing finance is not only limited but is also characterised by high interest rates and in some cases specification of maximum and minimum borrowing limits. In addition, loans are not granted to people belonging to certain professions such as the police and the armed
forces. In the case of civil construction activity, Indian firms have opined that there is lack of transparency in the bidding process and cumbersome safety and environmental regulations pose added problems. Investors have also pointed out that they prefer to have a strategic local partner because of lack of information on the Sri Lankan market. Difficulties in import of equipment for construction purposes are also stated to be a barrier.
For both residential and civil construction activity, Indian investors have pointed out that political instability and insecurity is of major concern. Investors fear potential damage that such a situation can cause to ongoing construction projects.
The FTA could address several of the barriers faced by Indian investors. The survey revealed that there is a growing domestic demand for housing in Sri Lanka. Availability of housing finance could give a massive philip to foreign investment in this sector. Investors engaged in civil construction could benefit greatly if there is greater transparency and easy access to relevant information. Indian investors have repeatedly pointed out in the course of the survey the crucial role that the Indian Line of Credit can play in securing contracts. The FTA could consider allocating the credit line particularly for the construction sector.
In the Uruguay Round, Sri Lanka did not make any commitment in construction and related engineering services. India only scheduled commitments in roads and bridges under construction work for civil engineering. While in Modes 1 and 2 no commitments were made under market access and national treatment, under Mode 3 market access was allowed only through incorporation with a limit of 51% on foreign equity. There were no restrictions on national treatment under Mode 3. Restrictions under market access and national treatment under Mode 4 were imposed as indicated in the horizontal commitments. In the current Round of negotiations, Sri Lanka has requested India to make liberal commitments for general construction work for building, building completion and finishing work and for general construction work for civil engineering. Sri Lanka has requested India to make full commitments under market access and national treatment for Modes 1 and 2 for the specified categories. Under Mode 3, Sri Lanka has requested India to undertake commitment in general construction for building and building completion and finishing work to the extent specified in the horizontal commitment, while for general construction for civil engineering Sri Lanka has requested India to eliminate limitation on foreign equity participation and type of legal entity. Under Mode 4 Sri Lanka has requested India to undertake commitment as mentioned under horizontal commitment. India has in its initial offer made more liberal commitments in the same sub sectors that were scheduled in the Uruguay Round. There are no restrictions under Modes 1 and 2 under market access and national treatment. Under Mode 3 market access is allowed only through incorporation with a foreign equity ceiling of 51% and subject to the condition that in the case of foreign investors having prior collaboration in the specific service sectors, FIPB approval is required. Under Mode 4 India has offered to make commitments as specified in the horizontal commitments. In the current Round, India has not made any request to Sri Lanka under construction services. Sri Lanka, in its initial offer has not scheduled construction services.