<p>Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have submitted five proposals to the Union Commerce Ministry on developing infrastructure for promoting exports under new scheme. Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had in March launched Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES), extending financial assistance to bridge the infrastructure gap and provide forward and backward linkages to various units. According to the official, the projects have been given in-principal approval. The five implementing agencies are -- Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd (KFDC), Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTPC), Bengaluru, Cochin SEZ, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ).</p> <p>AMTZ has submitted a plan to set up an electrical safety facility, biomaterials testing facility, 3D design and rapid prototyping facility and a center for Gamma irradiation. 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. KFDC Managing Director VK Shetty said “the corporation will modernise infrastructure facility for marine exports at Tadadi, Kumta Taluk, Karnataka. We have got the approval from the union commerce ministry and state government. We will shortly start the project. We will be establishing a modern marine processing and export unit. We will be investing Rs 5 crore and the centre will is also providing assistance of Rs 5 crore.”</p> <p>Similarly, VTPC has submitted a proposal to set up coastal cashew research and development foundation in Kumta district of Karnataka. While Cochin SEZ have planned to construct a standard design factory building, AAI would set up an integrated cargo terminal at Imphal International Airport.</p>