Union Minister calls on businessmen to identify strengths, potentials and competitive advantages in specific sectors, and focus on harnessing them in the world markets

Minister of Commerce and Industry and Railways Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that in the post-Covid era, there is going to be perceptible change in the global supply-chains, and that Indian industrialists and exporters should be looking to capture significant share in the world trade. He said so while addressing the Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) of the country through video conferencing.

The Union Minister called upon the exporters to identify their strengths, potentials and competitive advantages in specific sectors, and focus on harnessing them in the world markets. He assured them that the government will be a pro-active supporter and facilitator in their efforts and the Indian Missions abroad can play an important role in that.

The Minister, however, said incentives can be given, but they have to be justified, reasonable, and WTO-compliant.

He said his ministry is working on identifying the specific sectors which can be taken forward in the immediate future for the exports purpose. He said India is going to have a bumper Rabi harvest this season, and our storage facilities are overflowing.

“At the same time, there are news stories that there is shortage of food items in several countries. Many places are not having food of appropriate quality, taste and quantity, due to disruptions in the supply chains because of Covid-19 crisis,” Piyush Goyal said.

He said that this seems to be a good opportunity for export of agricultural and processed food items. The Minister exhorted the Export promotion councils to undertake brainstorming sessions with its members, and come up with similar actionable, big-ticket ideas.

The EPC office bearers expressed their gratitude to the minister, for providing support and coming out with time-bound solutions, during the Covid pandemic and lockdown.