美媒：在印度办厂难，关厂更难

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant challenges faced by global companies operating in India, particularly in terms of starting and exiting businesses, with General Motors' experience serving as a key example [1]. Group 1: Business Challenges in India - Starting a business in India is difficult, and exiting is even more challenging, as illustrated by General Motors' prolonged exit process from the Indian market [1]. - General Motors ceased car sales in India in 2017 but only completed its exit by 2024, facing numerous employee compensation lawsuits and tax disputes during this period [1]. Group 2: Exit Barriers - The average time required to completely close a factory in India is 4.3 years, significantly longer than in countries like Singapore (1 year), Germany (15 months), and the UK (1-2 years) [1]. - Regulatory hurdles make layoffs difficult, and political resistance to investor exits complicates the process, with courts potentially issuing contradictory rulings [1]. Group 3: Impact on Manufacturing Sector - High exit barriers are identified as a key reason for the underdevelopment of India's manufacturing sector, acting as a de facto entry cost that deters potential investments [1]. - Economists argue that a higher factory closure rate indicates a vibrant business environment, yet India exhibits a low closure rate of only 3% annually, one of the lowest globally [1]. - Research indicates that approximately 20% of manufacturing enterprises in India cease operations but remain as "zombie companies," occupying capital without producing [1].