Agartala, Sept 24: Union Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh on Friday said Tripura has huge opportunities to enhance steel consumption in the state.

Singh, who arrived in Agartala on a one-day tour, was addressing an interaction with the steel PSU officials from North East in Agartala. He exhorted them to work together for realizing the vision of Prime Minister for the region.

The Union Minister directed the SAIL officials to assess market demand for steel in Tripura and other North Eastern states in coming years as there is lot of potential for steel usage for rapid development in the region.

He also advised the MSTC officials to chart out strategy for sale and auction of rubber, ginger and other agri products through online platforms so that these products can get international recognition and identity. He said, the Ministry of Steel, SAIL and MSTC must work with Ispati Irada (steely resolve) for holistic development of Tripura.

The Union Minister praised the role of Tripura Government for unprecedented development in the last few years, be it in per capita GDP, organic farming and exports from the state. He congratulated congratulate the Health department for commendable work in facing the challenge of Corona.

According to a PIB press release, while addressing the gathering, Singh emphasized that steel is one of the basic inputs for various industries/ sectors like construction, infrastructure, defence, automobile, engineering, packaging, etc. Due to its wide ranging applications in various spheres of everyday life, steel is commonly regarded as people’s material. Despite other options, steel continues to remain the material of choice for industry and common man alike.

He mentioned that infrastructure development is being given top priority by the Government and steel will play an important role in it. Highlighting the immense potential of Tripura in the light of upcoming connectivity through Chittagong port, the Minister said that there are huge opportunities to enhance steel consumption in the state. He assured to address all issues highlighted in the meeting.

Earlier, Singh reached on a visit to Tripura and interacted with senior officials from various departments of the State Government. He was accompanied by Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL, SK Gupta, Chairman, MSTC and Puneet Kansal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel.

During the meeting, the MSTC highlighted that it is looking forward to engage in various activities with the Tripura government for providing one-stop solution for their various e-procurement and e-auction requirements and any other customised e-solutions.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister had courtesy meetings with Governor Satyadeo Narayan Arya and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. During the meetings, he held discussions on various important issues.

In his meeting with the Chief Minister, the Singh discussed some development issues including agri-economics and infrastructure. He assured of providing all possible support to Tripura from the Ministry of Steel and its PSUs.

Earlier on the day, he also visited Narsingarh Primary Health Center where 100 percent Covid vaccination has been done.