'I called up Tatas…': Piyush Goyal underscores govt’s focus on exporter support amid tariff turbulence

Piyush Goyal also remained confident of performance of rupee. “Things will go back to normal,” the minister said while talking about rupee hitting all-time low.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the government is working to ease the challenges faced by exporters amid ongoing tariff turbulence.

In an interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, when asked about the short-term pain exporters are experiencing and whether the Centre will enable them to sell more within India, Goyal said: “Well fortunately, the timing of the GST reduction at such massive levels couldn’t have been better. This will give a big impetus to domestic demand, which will help some of the exporters who may lose a part of their business.”

When asked if the government will make it easier for exporters to do so, Goyal responded: “We are even trying to make connects.”

Explaining this outreach, he added: “So, for example, when I recognized that the garment industry could face some stress, I called up the Tatas, who run Zudio and Westside. I’m going to be talking to all other high-street malls or large retail outlets to see if they can help these garment exporters by buying their produce and making it available at affordable prices. High quality at affordable prices, now at reduced GST rates, will make it a great story to run.”

When asked if the Centre will remove restrictions on exporters, Goyal said:

“Absolutely, we are trying to make it easier so that they can supply in the domestic market. It’s part of one of the reforms we are working on.”