Nathu la trade route to reopen on June 30

Gangtok, Jun 13 (UNI) The Nathu La trade route for border trade between India and China will be reopened on June 30 after 44 long years.

The date was finalised at a meeting held in New Delhi on June 7 last.

The officials of Union Commerce Ministry and all other departments concerned were present.

Sikkim Director of Industries and Commerce S P Subba said however, the date could be revised if the unforeseen weather conditions compelled for it.

Mr Subba said the trade between the two Asian giants after 44 long years is expected to herald a new era and strengthen the ties between the two countries.

As many as 28 items have been listed for the trade initially. The list included agriculture implements, agro chemical products, food grains like rice, wheat, spices, coffee, tea, milk and beer.

The meeting, Mr Subba said also decided to forward the names of 12 Sikkimese traders for travel passes to the ministry of external affairs by June 23. However, after the trade starts, the travel passes would be issued by the Collector East.

Meanwhile, a six member delegation including five officials from the union government and the Sikkim Industries and Commerce Secretary Karma Gyasto had left for Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and an autonomous region in China to see the level of preparedness by the Chinese side for the trade.

The delegation would return to India by June 21 via Nathu La, he said.

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