Revive China trade routes through Arunachal Pradesh: Chamling

Shillong, Jul 11 (UNI) In order to boost trade ties between India and China, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling urged the UPA government at the Centre to revive trade routes between the countries through Arunachal Pradesh.

''Today, we are working for a globalised world. We have to trade with our neighbours to boost the state's economy in particular, and the country in general,'' Mr Chamling told UNI here exclusively on the sidelines of the regional consultation on draft approach paper for the 11th Five-year Plan.

Delighted with the re-opening of the Nathu-La trade route in his state, the Chief Minister felt that the North Eastern states having boundaries with five neighbouring countries should open up border trade with them to boost economy.

''If all trade routes are revived, I am sure that this region can boast of their economy to other states in the country,'' Mr Chamling said.

The Sikkim Chief Minister who was here to attend the regional consultation for the 11th Five-year Plan felt that the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern states should stress on the Centre to revive the traditional trade route with their neighbouring country.

''It's high time that the Centre and leaders of the region should think positively to re-start trade ties for mutual benefits of people living on both sides of the border'', he said and added that revival of the traditional trade would also integrate trade and tourism.

''The Nathu-La pass is not meant only for trade-commerce, but to become a cultural highway that would help bring the ancient civilisations closer to each other'', he asserted.

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