Under ease of doing business for exporters, an important area of focus is enhancing logistics efficiency to strengthen India’s manufacturing and export capabilities. The development of logistics hubs, investments in infrastructure, and policy reforms to improve supply chain efficiency are measures in this direction, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25.

Such efforts aim to lower costs for Indian businesses, making exports more competitive and enabling quicker, smoother movement of goods domestically and internationally. This approach aligns with the government’s commitment to the National Logistics Policy.

For instance, the survey says, the paperless e-BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate) - critical digital certificate for individuals in the export sector - system has reduced costs for 2.5 million e-BRCs annually by over ₹125 crore, streamlined processes and helped exporters benefit from schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). It has cut down both administrative and environmental expenses. Small exporters, especially in e-commerce, have benefitted from the system’s efficiency in handling high-volume, low-cost transactions, enabling them to claim benefits and refunds more effectively.

A new Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ‘Trade Connect e-Platform’ has been launched which is a single window initiative enabling exporters to add newer markets. The e-platform aims to transform the international trade landscape for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs. The platform, developed in collaboration with key partners, including the Ministry of MSME, EXIM Bank, Department of Financial Services, and the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to address information asymmetry by offering exporters comprehensive support and resources. It is a one-stop solution, providing exporters with near real-time access to critical trade-related information while seamlessly connecting them to key government entities such as the Indian Missions abroad, the DoC, Export Promotion Councils, and other trade experts, the policy said.

Whether a seasoned exporter or a new entrant, the platform is designed to assist businesses at every stage of their export journey. This e-platform shall connect more than 6 lakh IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders, over 180 Indian Mission officials, and over 600 Export Promotion Council Officials, besides the officials from DGFT, DoC, banks, etc.

The DGFT Trade Facilitation Mobile App provides all information on FTP Updates, Import/Export Policy, Export/Import Statistics, the status of applications, and 24×7 virtual assistance. The department also provides 24×7 auto-generation of e-IEC. This enables users to not wait for any approval for an IEC. The IEC details are automatically validated against CBDT, MCA, and PFMS systems.

On logistics as a service, the survey said that Open Network for Digital Commerce is integrating hyperlocal and inter-city logistics service providers to ensure a seamless supply chain with unified first-mile, middle mile, and last mile connectivity across 1200+ cities, the survey said.

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