Sikkim Industries Minister stress on tourism

Gangtok, May 2: Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister R B Subba has said the state government has great expectation from the Nathu La border trade, which started from yesterday.

" The trade has resumed for the year and we have great expectations, " he told to UNI .

Mr Subba also highlighted the tourism potential of Nathula route.

" We have raised the issue of amendments in trade protocol between India and China to include both inbound and outbound tourism through Nathu La in the recently concluded 4th NEC sectoral summit on tourism and hospitality industry because there is a great tourism potential, " he said.

The Nathu La route is the shortest and the most convenient passage to Kailash Mountains and Mansarovar Lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region, annual pilgrimage hotspots for the Hindus.

Besides these attractions, there are several tourism hotspots in Tibet, and Nathu La route stands as the most feasible path because of its motorable roads and other infrastructure that has sprung up due to the border trade.

Mr Subba also said the present issues like raising the present Rs 25,000 ceiling for each trader per day and expansion of trade items will be addressed shortly.

" There will be positive changes in the article of trade items, " he said. Local traders have been pressing for expansion of trade items and raising the Rs 25,000 ceiling to Rs one lakh.

Regarding permanent infrastructure at Sherathang Trade Mart, the state Industries Minister informed that the Centre has approved the first phase allocation of Rs.13 crores and the state government has already received around Rs three crore.

He also said the total budget for creating a permanent infrastructure at Sherathang will of a bigger volume.

UNI