In order to promote India’s exports including improving export related infrastructure, the commerce ministry is taking several steps. In the same direction, the ministry has given green signal to as many as 15 projects, including setting up of a cold chain in Madhya Pradesh. It has approved these projects under its Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) which was launched to create appropriate infrastructure for development and growth of exports through engagement of central or state agencies. It said that out of the total scheme outlay of Rs 600 crore, Rs 80 crore was provided in 2017-18 and the same amount will be provided during the current fiscal also and the scheme has been launched for three years to 2020.
The approved projects include setting up of an integrated cargo terminal at Imphal international airport; establishment of trade promotion centre in Bhopal; solid waste management system at Noida SEZ; and construction of office cum laboratory complex of export inspection agency at Vishakhapatnam. The implementing agencies of these projects include Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation; Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre, Bengaluru; Cochin SEZ; Airport Authority of India, Coffee Board, Exports Inspection Council and Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ).
Unlike Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) Scheme, which was funded by the Centre, the cost of projects under TIES are equally shared between the Centre and the states. The central and state agencies, including Export Promotion Councils, Commodities Boards, SEZ authorities and apex trade bodies are eligible for financial support under the scheme. The Central government funding will be in the form of grant-in-aid, normally not more than the equity being put in by the implementing agency or 50% of the total equity in the project.
