Explanation:

The scheme replaces Assistance to States for creating Infrastructure for the Development and growth of Exports (ASIDE), a centrally sponsored scheme to address the needs of the exporters. Its objective is to enhance export competitiveness by bridging the gap in export infrastructure, create focused export infrastructure and first-mile and last-mile connectivity. It is being implemented from FY18 till FY20 with budgetary allocation of Rs. 600 crore. The beneficiaries of the scheme will be all central and state agencies including Commodities Boards, Export Promotion Councils, SEZ authorities and Apex Trade Bodies recognised under EXIM policy of Central Government are eligible for financial support.

Under the scheme, the cost of projects will be equally shared by the Centre and the states in form of grant-in-aid. In normal cases centre will borne 50% of the total equity in the project. For projects located in north-eastern and the Himalayan region states, Centre may bear 80% of the cost It will provide assistance for setting up and up-gradation of infrastructure projects with export linkages like Land customs stations, quality testing and certification labs, Border Haats, cold chains, trade promotion centres, dry ports, export warehousing and packaging, SEZs and ports/airports cargo terminuses.