Chinese delegation likely to visit Sikkim

Gangtok, May 18 (UNI) A four-member Chinese delegation is expected to arrive in Sikkim next month to assess the Nathu La border trade.

The delegation, on a three-day visit, are likely to travel to Sherathang Trade Mart by crossing the international border at Nathu La pass and proceed towards the Donqingang Trade Mart in the Tibet Autonomous region before returning, State Industries Department Director S P Subba said.

''They are likely to visit the state on June 3 and the Donqingang Trade Mart on June 4,'' he said.

The delegation would interact with the state government and local traders engaged in border trade, Mr Subba said adding that Nathu La border trade failed to pick up as expected despite the Centre increasing trading amount per trader per day from Rs 25,000 earlier to Rs one lakh now.

Expansion of list items had been a pending demand among the traders on both sides and the visit of the Chinese delegation is expected to address this issue.

UNI