Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra Pradhan has assured the steel industry that the Government will be its friend and facilitator, and is committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for the industry.

Inaugurating the 3rd International Galvanizing Conference in New Delhi today, he said that growth in India's energy needs will also fuel the growth in Steel consumption. PM Awas Yojana, Har Ghar Jal Yojana, plan to provide piped natural gas in 400 cities - all present great opportunity for the steel sector.

He appealed to industry to reimagine strategy, contribute towards vision of $5 Trillion economy. India is blessed with raw material availability, demographic dividend, vast coastline and a large market.

“Industry must reimagine strategy to position itself as a global leader. Zinc industry is poised to grow, ensuring longevity of steel by reducing corrosion, and thereby adding to the GDP of the country.” he added.

He said, “We have all ingredients to benchmark with the best in the world and go beyond.”

Pradhan said the industry must focus on producing high quality, low cost products. “The steel industry must touch the lives of common citizens.

Galvanised steel can play an important role by being cost effective. India is blessed with raw material availability, demographic dividend, vast coastline and a large market. We have the potential to benchmark our Steel industry with the best in the world. We must link our aspiration to the world market.