Hyderabad:Stressing that people will have to "learn to live with coronavirus" until a vaccine or drug is invented, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao has said the Centre needs to extend help to states for infra creation to access newer avenues as many companies across the globe are on the lookout for new geographies as part of de-risking strategy post-COVID-19 situation.
The suave leader said the Telangana government sought about Rs 4,000 crore from the centre for providing infrastructure at the upcoming "Pharma City" near here to make it a world-class facility following the increased importance of drug and vaccine manufacturing facilities due to COVID-19 pandemic.
"There are two important things to understand. First is that we have to come to realisation and conclusion that till such time that a vaccine or drug is discovered, tried and tested and is proved, we have to learn to live with this virus."
"Let us come to that understanding first that no matter how much we would like to get rid of this virus, the fact is that there is no vaccine," the southern satrap said.
Maintaining that there should not be a "toss between lives and livelihood," KTR, son of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said the whole world is now appreciating India for its strategies to contain the coronavirus spread and that made attractive new investments into the country as many big corporates are looking to expand newer geographies as part of their de-risking policy.
He said India compared to other countries, is doing well in containing the virus spread because of the lockdown and with the concerted efforts both by the Centre and states, the curve has been flattened.
"There are silver linings also in this cloud. I think India has a great opportunity to grab a big manufacturing piece from China. Also, India was appreciated for the way the coronavirus spread was handled. All of these will put us in a good light," he opined.