What is Trade Infrastructure?

Trade infrastructure is the infrastructure that supports trade, by moving goods from exporting countries to importing countries. Different types of trade infrastructures are listed below.

1. Roads
2. Railways
3. Airports
4. Seaports
5. Integrated Transport and Logistics Services which includes packaging, storage, transport, inventories, administration.
6. Telecommunication networks
7. Financial Services

Efficient logistics do not just reduce costs of transport and time, but also decrease the costs of production. To provide efficient trade infrastructure it requires the intervention of the Government.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

What are the Types of Export Incentives?

Exports play a vital role in the growth of a nation’s economy. Hence to encourage exports of a nation, governments provide various types of export incentives which are listed below.

1. Tax incentives
2. Legal assistance
3. Monetary incentives
4. Regulatory frameworks to boost exports

What is Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)?

Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) was launched in 2017. The objective of TIES is given below. 

1. Increase export competitiveness
2. Reduce gaps in export infrastructure
3. Develop first mile and last mile connectivity
4. Address quality and certification 

Under the TIES scheme the following agencies would be provided financial support by the Government of India.

1. Apex Trade bodies
2. SEZ authorities
3. Commodities board
4. Export Promotion Councils

Unlike the Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) scheme, the cost of projects under the TIES scheme is equally shared between central and state governments. As of 2018, 16 projects were approved under the TIES scheme. The list of some of the approved schemes are given below.

1. Establishment of trade promotion centre in Bhopal.
2. Solid waste management system in Noida
3. Establishment of integrated cargo terminal at Imphal International airport
4. Establishment of laboratory complex of export inspection agency at Visakhapatnam
5. Establishment of cold chain in Madhya Pradesh.

The scheme will run till 2020. 

What is the ASIDE Scheme?

Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) was launched in 2002 to help states in developing infrastructure related to exports. ASIDE was discontinued in 2015-16 after the state’s share of Centre’s net tax revenues was increased from 32% to 42% as per recommendations of the 14th finance commission. ASIDE was replaced by the TIES scheme and the details of the scheme are mentioned in the above article.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2021.

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