BENGALURU: In an effort to provide assistance for setting up and upgradation of infrastructure projects with export linkages, the government on Wednesday launched the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES).
The scheme covers infrastructure requirements of Border Haats, Land customs stations, quality testing and certification labs, cold chains, trade promotion centres, dry ports, export warehousing and packaging, SEZs and ports/airports cargo termini, etc. The point of focus would be on addressing the needs of the exporters, Commerce and Industries Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Some of the objectives of the proposed scheme are to enhance export competitiveness. Following de-linking of the Unlike Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) Scheme in 2015, the state governments have been requesting the Centre’s support to create export infrastructure.
The central and state agencies, including export promotion councils, commodities boards, SEZ authorities and apex trade bodies recognised under the EXIM policy are eligible for financial support under this scheme.
Sitharaman added the proposals of implementing agencies for funding would be considered by an inter-ministerial empowered committee specially constituted for this scheme. The committee would be chaired by the commerce secretary. “It is going to be on participatory basis and the focus is not just to create infrastructure and leave it, but to make sure that it is professionally run and sustained.”
The scheme will be implemented from April 1 with an outlay of Rs 600 crore for three years and with Rs 200 crore dedicated for each year.