Govt launches new scheme for developing export linked infra

The government on Wednesday launched a new scheme - TIES - for developing export-linked infrastructure in states with a view to promoting outbound shipments. Launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) seeks to bridge the infrastructure gap and provide forward and backward linkages to units engaged in trade activities.

"It is going to be on participative basis and the focus is not just to create infrastructure and leave it, but make sure that it is professionally run and sustained," Sitharaman told reporters here. An inter-ministerial empowered committee for sanctioning and monitoring of the project was set up for the scheme. It will be headed by the commerce secretary.

"We are definitely asking for a clear definition and linkage with export industries (for the projects)," she added. Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said some of the biggest cost, the exporters tend to incur is on account of absence of dedicated infrastructure, whether it is testing or handling facilities or cold storages at ports.