Bengal concerned over possible dumping through Nathula route

Kolkata, Aug 20 (UNI) The West Bengal government has expressed apprehension that China might dump large quantities of its products through the Nathula trade route.

"After the opening of Nathula, perhaps they will now want to use the Kolkata port. They will also dump their products on a large-scale in the state. This will be disastrous," Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said yesterday.

Mr Bhattacharjee said the state's raw silk industry particularly faced a threat from China, where silk production is mechanized.

He said his government was setting up a task force to upgrade silk manufacturing technology.

"China is not willing to part with its technology. So, I have spoken to Japan. State government agency Webcon has also submitted a report on the matter," he said.

He said his government was trying to "save" the state's economy and create more job opportunities.

He lauded the Central government for enacting a law to define micro, small and medium industries and said the state government has formed a task force to frame specific rules to implement this law.

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