India is at No. 1 position on ease of doing business among 30 developing countries; beats China

Among 30 developing countries, India emerged as number one on ease of doing business ranking. India beat China and emerged at the top position among.

As per the 2017 Global Retail Development Index, India came at the top notch following rapid economy expansion and relaxation of FDI rules.

The 16th edition of the index ranks the top 30 developing countries for retail investment worldwide and analyses 25 macroeconomic and retail-specific variables.

India's rapidly expanding economy, easing of foreign direct investment (FDI) rules and a consumption boom are the key drivers for India's top ranking in the GRDI.

The GRDI, titled 'The Age of Focus', ranks China in second place. Despite its slower overall economic growth, the market's size and the continued evolution of retail still make China one of the most attractive markets for retail investment.

"The study is unique in that it not only identifies the markets that are most attractive today, but also those that offer future potential," said management consulting firm AT Kearney in a statement.

India's retail sector has been growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent. Total sales surpassed the $1 trillion-mark last year and the sector is expected to double in size by 2020.

The government's continued support to relax FDI regulations in key areas of the retail sector have provided further boost to its growth, it noted.

In the past year, the government has allowed 100 per cent foreign ownership in B2B e-commerce businesses and for retailers that sell food products.

India's retail sector has also benefited from the rapid growth in e-commerce.

It is projected to grow 30 per cent annually and reach $48 billion by 2020.