Sikkimese traders dominate Nathu La border trade

Gangtok, Nov 27 (UNI) Nathu La border trade between Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region(TAR) will be completing its second year on November 30, even as demands of the stakeholders remain pending.

Trading along the 14,400 ft mountainous corridor, began on May 1 this year and as per the new directions by the Centre, it was extended till November.

According to official figures, Sikkimese products have dominated the Tibetan items during the trading season. Export by this Himalayan state's traders on the Nathu La border till October from May stood at Rs 20.6 lakh while import figures stood at a miserable amount of Rs 6.8 lakh. Trade transactions for the month of November were yet to be provided.

Rice was the most exported item to TAR amounting seventy percent of the total export transactions. Tea came a distant second as it sold around Rs 25,000 per month on an average.

Raw silk was the most imported item from TAR by Sikkimese traders while sheep wool was also imported in fewer quantities.

Yak tail, which is used for religious and traditional purposes was imported in June worth Rs.32,950.

Interestingly, business by the Tibetan traders during the months of May and September was almost nil. A total of 2,201 traders from TAR and 1,307 Sikkimese traders had visited the Sherathang trade mart till October, where stalls had been set up for trade purpose.

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