Air India Disinvestment: Govt Has Not Taken Any Decision So Far, Says Piyush Goyal

“I don't think there is any such decision that has happened at all,” said Goyal.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal (File Photo: PTI)

Dubai: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said the Central government has not taken any decision on Air India so far, adding the final winner will be selected through a well-defined process.

“I don't think there is any such decision that has happened at all,” said Goyal.

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“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 added while responding to a poser about media reports stating Tatas have emerged as the top bidder for the takeover of debt-laden Air India, PTI reported.

Earlier on Friday, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said that the Centre has so far not approved any financial bid for Air India.

“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,” Pandey tweeted.

When asked about the proposed free trade agreement with the UAE, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister said there are lot of opportunities for the Indian businesses in sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, pharma and healthcare.

Goyal said there is tremendous potential in both goods and services.

“We have to encourage Indian businesses to engage with the UAE,” he told reporters in Dubai while commenting on the investments.