No decision thus far on Air India, says Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has informed that the government has not taken any decision on Air India thus far. Responding to questions on reports of Tata emerging the topmost bidder for the air carrier, he said that the final winner will be selected through a well defined process.

"I have been in Dubai since...day before and I don't think there is any such decision that has happened at all. Of course bids were invited...and that is assessed by the officers and in due course of time, there is a whole well laid down process through which the final winner will selected," he said. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary to Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), had tweeted on Friday that the Centre has so far not approved any financial bid for Air India. DIPAM is the government department responsible for privatisation.

"Media reports indicating approval of financial bids by Government of India in the AI disinvestment case are incorrect. Media will be informed of the Government's decision as and when it is taken," he had tweeted.

On the proposed free trade agreement with the UAE, he said there are lot of opportunities for Indian businesses in sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, pharma and healthcare, with tremendous potential in both goods and services. On investments, he said, "We have to encourage Indian businesses to engage with the UAE."