The Metro Group last week stated that the company is 'currently evaluating all options,' including whether it should go ahead with its Bengal plans following its continued inability to obtain a fresh APMC (Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee) licence to sell agricultural produce, according to reports in the Indian press.

Metro Cash & Carry said that 'in spite of unforeseen difficulties,' it has invested in its distribution centre in Kolkata and recruited and trained over 350 employees for this facility on the invitation of the state government to establish a presence here.

'This (investment) was done with an agreed pre-requisite that in order to provide to farmers and small traders the desired benefits, Metro Cash & Carry would require the license to deal in agri commodities.

“In line with this, the state government granted a license to trade in APMC commodities in 2005 which was subsequently renewed twice in 2006 and 2007 and was to be valid till March 2008,' the statement said.

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