India opening up its economy in much bigger way; PM Narendra Modi's idea helped fight Covid-19 battle: Piyush Goyal at India Energy Forum CERAWeek

Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, speaking at the 4th India Energy Forum CERAWeek on Tuesday said that all the core sectors are almost back to normal. Goyal added, "Energy, gas, steel, cement sectors are also near to normal which indicates construction activity also back to normal. Fast moving consumer goods sector is also near back to normal. Automobile too. Challenges in sectors of tourism, aviation, hospitality are still there but will be soon back to normal in next 6-7 months."

Talking about the Covid-19, Goyal said, "India imposed one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world. PM made it clear that saving life of people is the top priority. Today, in country 1.5 million covid tests are being conducted every day."

Goyal revealed, "PM called me over phone and said Piyush, can we convert railway coaches into covid care coaches or isolation ward. PM idea helped to fight the battle."

"Today, we have complete mapping of oxygen availability, demand and supply. Now, we are moving back to normalcy. Now, India has one of the lowest mortality rates and the fastest recovery rates in the world."

"Exports are 5% up in September month."

Goyal said, "People of India are celebrating the festivals in very subdued manner, following safety measures."

Talking about FDI, Goyal said, "Now, we are addressing the issues of quality and affordability. Also, studying all the laws in various sectors for Ease of Doing Business and getting license easier and quicker."

"India is  now looking to opening up of economy in much bigger way. Agri, labour reforms are major steps in this direction," Goyal said.

At #IndiaEnergyForum by CERAWeekhttps://t.co/qvxf2OW2lU

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 27, 2020

On Sunday, PM delivered the inaugural address at 4th India Energy Forum CERAWeek through video conference. The theme of this edition is "India's Energy Future in a world of Change".

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said India is full of energy and its energy future is bright and secure. He elaborated that in spite of various challenges like fall in energy demand by almost one third, prevailing price instability, impacted investment decisions, projected contraction in global energy demand over the next few years, India was projected to emerge as a leading energy consumer and is projected to nearly double its energy consumption over the long term.

The Prime Minister pointed out that India is the third-largest and the fastest-growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation and Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size from 600 to 1200 by 2024.