The finance ministry extended support to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and e-commerce industry in the August economic review released on September 26.

The finance ministry noted that institutional participation and transparency had helped develop best practices for the country’s commercial real estate market.

“Four existing listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have driven growth in stabilised commercial assets, while standardised market valuation processes and REIT regulations have fostered market-based approaches,” the ministry pointed out.

“Real Estate Regulation Act and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code have improved investor protection, digital land registry records and strict monitoring by RBI and SEBI have created a robust regulatory landscape,” it further pointed out.

The finance ministry also supported the e-commerce industry, noting that it had become a dominant player in India’s service sector growth.

The ministry quoted the findings of Pahle India Foundation (PIF) in partnership with People Research in India's Consumer Economy (PRICE) highlighting the role of e-commerce in employment generation and enhancing consumer welfare.

“The e-commerce sector has witnessed a significant increase in job opportunities. The survey reveals a 42 per cent net rise in management positions among online sellers, reflecting the growing complexity of e-commerce operations,” it said.

The ministry also said that traditional workforce was being replaced by tech-oriented positions and pointed out the need for addressing skills gap to cater to new jobs.

“Improving logistics and delivery services infrastructure is essential as ecommerce continues to expand,” the report further said.

Both e-commerce and REITs have faced criticism in recent times.

The ministry was quick to underscore the country's improving economic outlook.

The Indian economy grew at 6.7 percent in the first quarter of FY25, The report pointed out that the high frequency data for August fit well with Economic Survey projection of 6.5-7 percent growth in FY25.

ADB, on September 25, retained India’s growth outlook at 7 percent for FY25, while OECD raised growth projection to 6.7 percent.