Exit from RCEP will safeguard farmers' interests, says Goyal

Dharamshala: Union minister for Commerce and Railways Piyush Goyal on Friday complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for deciding against Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying that this will safeguard interests of the Indian farmers, who would have been directly affected by the large-scale import of the foreign produce and goods.

Goyal, who was here to address two-day Global Investors' meet 2019— a mega business event, spoke at Valedictory session in absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who could not make it to the final day.

"India can't be allowed to become a dumping ground for other countries…of their products," he declared.

The Union Minister claimed that under Modi's leadership, the country was carving out its place in the global economy without comprising the nation's interests. For this, whole nations feel proud of his decision to exit from the RCEP. There could be been a direct impact on livelihoods of all Indians, especially farmers in the states like Himachal Pradesh, known for its diverse economy.

The two-day Global Investors' meet, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated on Thursday, has yielded signing of 614 MoUs with an estimated investment of Rs 93,000 crore in key sectors of hydro-power, hospitality, food processing,

wellness, horticulture and housing.

Goyal re-quoted the Prime Minister when he described himself as "Himachali". "I think when Prime Minister has moved in to inspire investors to the state, you can see things happening in reality on the ground," he added.

State's Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur claimed that first of its kind event has raised immense hopes to transform the state as an important investment destination, both in terms of job creations and socio-economic development.

Earlier, MoS (Finance) Anurag Thakur reminded how central Industrial package, approved by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the behest of former Chief Minister Prem Kumar

Dhumal, put the state at advantage to attract industrial investments.

"Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, which I built, opened the doors to setting-up luxurious resorts and hotels in Dharamshala and beginning of regular flights to Dharamshala. I appreciate the efforts of the state government teams to host the event. There is a need to draw up a timeline for making intended investments to happen," he advised.