Current Context :The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a landmark $350 million policy-based loan under the second subprogramme of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme.
SMILE Programme (Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem)
- Objective:Supports logistics sector reforms to expand manufacturing and enhance supply chain resilience in India.
- Loan Agreement:$350 million policy-based loan under the second sub programme signed between India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- Collaborators:Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance), DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industry), and ADB.
- Key Pillars:
- Institutional Frameworks:Capacity building for seamless multimodal logistics integration at all levels.
- Warehousing Standards:Uniform regulations to streamline supply chains and attract private investment.
- Trade Logistics:Improved efficiency in external trade operations.
- Smart, Low-Emission Systems:Advanced, eco-friendly technologies for enhanced logistics performance.