Dry run for proposed Indo-China border trade conducted

Gangtok, Apr 21 (UNI) The dry run of the bilateral trade route between India and China through Nathu La was conducted today.

Sikkim Chief Secretary N D Chingapa inaugurated the dry run after inspecting various trade centres and sheds constructed for the purpose at Sherathang at an altitude of 1360 ft above the sea level.

The dry run was an inter-departmental exercise to assess the level of preparedness and overcome the loopholes before the reopening of the Nathu La trade route for border trade with China.

Around 250 people representing various departments, trade organisations participated in the dry run.

Altogether 25 sheds were put up by the government for various trade centres and various utility services like the power, health, immigration, customs, bank, post offices, BSNL, staff quarters and administrative block.

The Chief Secretary and the visiting dignitaries expressed their satisfaction over the infrastructure developed in the area.

Official sources said a Sherathang Development agency had also been constructed, where a trade officer would be appointed to look after the affairs of the trade mart.

Officials from Border Road Organisation, BSNL, ITBP, Post Office, Army, Chamber of Commerce and industrialists participated in the dry run.

An Under Secretary of Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries also attended the dry run.

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