Trade Minister Highlights Dual Strategy for Jobs, Startups, and Tourism

Speaking at the Delhi Dialogue conference, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal laid out a two‑fold plan to harness the benefits of India’s new free‑trade agreements. The strategy focuses on creating jobs, nurturing startups and boosting tourism.

The first pillar involves importing the best global technologies to modernise Indian industries. The second pillar is about identifying high‑growth sectors where employment and business opportunities can expand rapidly.

Goyal pointed to tourism as a sector that can be transformed with artificial intelligence, describing it as “AI‑proof” and ready for a new wave of growth.

He also reminded the audience that India’s economy, valued at $4 trillion, already enjoys a purchasing power of $16 trillion, giving it a strong negotiating stance in trade talks.

The minister underscored India’s demographic edge – a youthful population of 1.4 billion that fuels faster growth compared with many older, slower economies.

Before finalising any agreement, the government conducts a thorough assessment to spot vulnerable sectors and gauge the impact of expanded market access. Sensitive groups such as farmers, fishers and MSMEs are placed on a protection list.

Goyal concluded by emphasizing a simple rule that guides all negotiations: respect each other’s sensitivities, and the process becomes smoother for both sides.