SMILE Programme:
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) programm
- The Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) is a programmatic policy-based loan (PBL) to support the government in undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the logistics sector in India.
- The programmatic approach comprises two subprograms, which aim to expand India’s manufacturing sector and improve the resilience of its supply chains.
- This initiative is in collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and ADB.
- Key pillars of the programme:
- Strengthening institutional frameworks: Developing capacities at national, state, and city levels for the seamless integration of multimodal logistics infrastructure.
- Standardising warehousing: Establishing uniform standards to streamline supply chains and attract private investment.
- Improving trade logistics: Enhancing the efficiency of India’s external trade operations.
- Promoting smart, low-emission systems: Leveraging advanced technologies to boost efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
