FICCI Survey Shows Indian Businesses Optimistic About Growth Ahead Of Budget 2025

Indian businesses remain confident in the country’s economic growth despite global uncertainties, according to a survey by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). With the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 approaching, a majority of businesses expressed optimism about India’s growth prospects.

The FICCI survey, which gathered responses from over 150 companies, revealed that 64% of businesses expect GDP growth to range between 6.5% and 6.9% for the current fiscal year. This reflects a moderate dip from the 8% growth seen in 2023-24, but still aligns with India’s long-term economic potential, given the global challenges.

A major highlight from the survey was the industry’s strong emphasis on sustaining public capital expenditure. About 68% of participants called for continued infrastructure investment, with many businesses hoping for at least a 15% increase in capital expenditure allocation for FY 2025-26. Alongside this, more than half of the respondents urged the government to introduce reforms to improve the ease of doing business, particularly focusing on land acquisition, labour regulations, and power supply.

Tax Reforms And MSME Support: Industry’s Key Demands

Industry leaders also expressed a need for a review of the direct tax structure. They advocated for changes in tax slabs and rates to increase disposable income and encourage consumption. Simplifying the tax regime also emerged as a priority. Furthermore, respondents stressed the importance of supporting MSMEs, with many urging measures to enhance credit access and promote technology adoption within the sector.

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