CAPTAINS STEERING THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC ENGINE

Even as major economic ministries such as finance and commerce did not see any changes in their respective ministers, some new names in strategically important ministries have been added to the new Cabinet. We look at major issues and challenges these ministers may need to address in the shortand medium-term. The task in hand would be tougher for the ministers this time around given the coalition compulsions

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Piyush Goyal, Min of Commerce, Industries

PIYUSH GOYAL will take charge of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry for the second straight time. Goyal, who has worn many hats as minister, has his work cut out in his new stint. The primary being reviving the country's manufacturing sector. Despite its Make in India initiative, the government failed to meet the target of increasing share of manufacturing to 25% and creating 100 million jobs by 2020. It had to shift this goalpost to 2025. In addition, implementing free trade agreements (FTAS) with various countries that were on the cards could prove to be challenging for the coalition government because of potential disagreements. Besides this, slowing foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key challenge the minister will have to address in his second stint as the commerce and industries minister. Among others, rising trade deficit with China remains a challenge.

Sarbananda Sonowal, shipping minister