A bit o' Gap shrinkage by Tata—take it one nano at a time

WORLD NEWS: "Compromise Reached Over Tata Car Plant," by Eric Bellman, Wall Street Journal, 8 September 2008, p. A8.

Fascinating story to watch unfold: Tata wants to plop Nano-building assembly in rural area near Kolkata (that old former black hole) and it runs into all sorts of popular protests over ag land lost. Tata had threatened to go elsewhere, so the "olive tree" types finally relented. No, it's not a Lexus, but you only get what you give.

India's still a bit commie on the western side (right down to its Sov-influenced navy on that side), so this was a real adjustment for both Tata and the local government, but the desire for investment won out.

Comments

[anand]

India is pretty free market. Over 80% of the Indian public supports free trade. Free investment (foreign investment) is also a popular position.

Only two Indian provinces tilt left: West Bengal (East India) and Kerala (South West India.)

Truth be told, West Bengal remains a bit of a laughing stock in the rest of India (mostly unfairly, since they aren't real communists anymore.)