New Delhi, Nov. 18 Union Steel Minister Virbhadra Singh visited the steel pavilion at the IITF-2009 today.

Those who have put up stalls in the 'Steel Pavilion' include Public Sector Undertakings SAIL, RINL, NMDC, MOIL, MECON Ltd, KIOCL, HSCL, MSTC and FSNL as well major private secto steel producers like TATA Steel, ESSAR and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, and organisations under the Ministry like Joint Plant Committee (JPC), UNDP/GEF Project (Steel) and Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG).

Speaking on the occasion, Singh explained how several initiatives have resulted in the harmonisation of policies in respect of production, pricing, distribution, import and export of iron and steel, ferro alloys and refractories.

He also elaborated on the steps being taken for promoting the inflow of speedy investments in the steel sector, fast-tracking clearances of projects and strengthening the delivery chain, particularly in rural areas.

The minister said that despite soaring input prices, fluctuating market and the world economy in a state of flux, the Indian steel sector has remained buoyant

The various timely measures taken by the Government has helped the steel industry bounce back from the shadow of economic slowdown, he added. (ANI)