India hopes to convert COVID-19 crisis into opportunity: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that the government has announced a comprehensive economic package to deal with coronavirus challenge while also going for sectoral reforms and the country hopes to convert COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity.
"COVID-19 has only pushed us faster. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a huge package and sectoral reforms in many segments have been announced. I think COVID-19 is a crisis which India hopes to convert into an opportunity," Goyal said in a virtual session at India Global Week 2020
He said India's economy as that of other countries in the world has suffered due to coronavirus threat. "The good news is that India has always demonstrated the ability to bounce back rapidly," he said.
Goyal said that India is in talks with the European Union for a trade deal.
"We are talking to the EU and I am in dialogue with EU trade commissioner. I am looking for an early harvest deal and open for discussions on a variety of subjects. It is up to the UK and EU, whoever picks up the gauntlet first," he said.
Referring to green energy, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken strong action in fighting climate change and bringing down pollution levels.
"The Prime Minister has approved programme for 100 per cent electrification of Indian Railways. By 2030, we hope to be world's 100 per cent green railways," Goyal added.
Answering a query, he said, "We are all committed to iconic projects and are re-looking all projects in terms of the post-COVID world. There will be tightening of the belts, cost-cutting and aligning ourselves to how travel and transport will work".
Referring to the ban on 59 China-linked apps, he said it happened due to security concerns.
"They have been banned by the Home Ministry and companies have been asked to furnish details which is a proper legal procedure. India continues to and will remain committed to fair trade but on the basis of reciprocity."
On the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant) India, Goyal said the Prime Minister has talked about India engaging with the rest of the world on equal terms.
"It is not about remaining exclusive, it is about opening our doors to greater engagement with the world."
Goyal was a part of the virtual session themed `Building a better future for all'. (ANI)