New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday hit out at analysts and sections of the media, calling them 'weak-kneed people' who, he said, fail to understand India's capability, capacity and confidence, and cannot see the country's growth story.

Speaking at the Curtain Raiser event of Bharat Buildcon in the national capital, he said, 'I feel that some analysts and journalists look at India's future with weakness, as if they are trying to paint a picture that doomsday has arrived in India, while they have no idea about India's capability, capacity, and confidence. These things cannot be understood by weak-kneed people. A few TV channels and newspapers run an agenda against India all the time.'

The Union Minister added, 'They fail to see India's growth story, India's self-respect, and India's own international image -- that today the whole world looks at India from a new perspective, recognising the courage within India and the energy in India's industries.'

He stressed the government's focus on creating opportunities and expanding capacity across sectors.

Goyal said, 'We in government are focused on finding opportunities for all of you so that truly no sector has to face difficulties, whether it's international or domestic opportunities. We want to expand your capacity.'

He urged industry players to uphold quality standards, warning that poor suppliers could harm India's reputation for quality products.

'Towards that end, I have been trying to introduce quality control orders, hoping that everyone will participate wholeheartedly in that. Whoever is not up to the mark will upgrade its quality and even one or two bad suppliers can completely ruin the great India's story, the image of Indian quality products,' the Union Minister added.

Urging industry leaders to take responsibility, the minister noted the impact of infrastructure spending.

'I urge all big players in various sectors involved here to participate wholeheartedly, to make the program completely self-sufficient. We all understand 1 rupee spent on infrastructure gives 3.5-4 times multiplier impact to the economy and GDP because everyone's businesses get increased because of it. People get employment through suppliers, construction. It's a continuous evolution. This year also the infrastructure spending budget is 12,000 crores,' Goyal added.

The minister also stated that industry representatives have been supportive of the government's measures.

'I have been having many interactions with different sectors. Sure, they tell how they will be impacted, but till today, not even a single sector has complained about anything. Everyone comes and asks to send a message to the prime minister that we are standing with you. With all strength India together will move forward at a fast pace', Goyal said.

On free trade agreements, Goyal asserted India's position of strength.

Piyush Goyal stated, 'If any country wants to enter into a free trade agreement with us, we are always ready. But I believe that any form of discrimination affects the self-confidence and self-respect of India's 1.4 billion citizens. Keeping that in mind, we will neither bow down nor ever appear weak. Together, we will continue moving forward and capture new markets. I can confidently say that this year our exports will surpass last year's.'

Piyush Goyal pointed out India's small share in the global market, questioning why there should be fear.

'In the global market, our share is so small. Why do we have to be afraid? Don't know what these analysts understand and write. They don't even know yet that India is an import-dependent economy,' Goyal added.

Referring to India's resilience during Covid-19, he stated, 'During Covid, when difficulties arose, on one hand the government stood firmly with you, and with full courage India's industry managed a pandemic like Covid, managed even nuclear sanctions, and after that, if there was some impact of about 2% on India's GDP, even in that, 40% of the items are such that they are not even covered.'

He added, 'Apart from that, among the items that are covered, there are some sectors like gems & jewellery, where the value addition is probably not more than 3 to 5 per cent. I am fully confident that journalists and analysts understand this well.'

Piyush Goyal expressed strong confidence in India's rapid growth, citing free trade agreements with developed countries.

'I am fully confident that India will move forward at an even faster pace. The FTAs we have signed, now you see, all with developed countries like Australia, UAE, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, the UK, and going forward, fast-paced discussions are happening with the European Union. Perhaps the Commerce Secretary is going today itself for talks. Their team is coming to India next week, and their minister will come after that,' he added.

Piyush Goyal also highlighted India's growing global economic stature, with multiple countries eager to sign or expand free trade agreements, including the EU, Australia, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

'The whole world knows that India is such a rising country, whose economy will create such a huge volume of opportunities in the coming days that whether it is the European Union or Australia, they want us to do the second tranche of the FTA. Oman's FTA will be finalized very soon. Yesterday, the minister of Qatar came, they also want to sign an FTA with us. Talks are also ongoing with Saudi Arabia. With New Zealand, Chile, and Peru, discussions are progressing at the fastest pace,' he noted. (ANI)