Himachal Pradesh has demanded special industrial package for hill state and restoration of Assistance of States for Industrial Development of Exports (ASIDE) scheme with a view to boost export and industrial activities and to encourage inclusive growth in the country.
Mukesh Agnihotri, in the first meeting of the Council for Trade Promotion and Development organised by the Union Ministry of Commerce for seeking inputs from the States to boost export activities at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, today, said there was an urgent need to revive this scheme in the larger interest of the industrial growth of the country. He also urged to release the central grant of about Rs.23 crore under ASIDE scheme for already sanctioned and ongoing projects so that these could be completed in time.
He informed that State Government had already taken steps to strengthen the infrastructure for boosting export in the State. He said there was need to increase air, road and rail connectivity in order to ensure quick and easy export of products in the State. He categorically raised the issue of rail connectivity from Chandigarh to Baddi and Kirtpur-Bilaspur-Leh line.
The Minister complimented the Ministry of Commerce and Industries for taking initiative to boost export activities in the country and suggested the need to formulate policy for addressing specific issues inhibiting exports especially in the field of skill development, testing and certification and storage specialization etc. to facilitate the export oriented units of the region.
Principal Secretary (Industry) R.D.Dhiman and Comissioner, Industry Rajinder Singh also attended the meeting.
