Chinese delegation in Tibet; pass through Nathu La

Nathu La, June 4: A four-member Chinese delegation, led by Minister Counsellor Bu Jianguo from the Chinese Embassy, became the second official team to cross into the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) through the Nathu La pass in East Sikkim after the Indo-China conflict.

The Chinese ambassador to Sun Xuxi was the first Chinese official to cross the border on July 6 last year, the day of Nathu La border trade reopening.

After taking a first hand look at the Sherathang Trade Mart and being informed about the plans for permanent infrastructural developments in the offing, the minister counsellor expressed her satisfaction over the developments for border trade.

Earlier, Director of State Commerce and Industries Department S P Subba toured the Chinese delegation at Sherathang Trade Mart. The Chinese delegation was informed about the plans for setting up permanent infrastructural development at the mart besides establishing hotel facilities for the traders and tourists.

''I am satisfied over the infrastructure for Nathu La border trade,'' Ms Jianguo said adding that her team was informed about the bigger plans on the pipeline from Sikkim government and the Centre.

However, referring to the almost nil-sale by the Tibetan traders due to restrictions in the list of items meant for trade, Ms Jianguo said trade should not be unilateral but bilateral and both Sikkim and the TAR should benefit from the trade.

Since the trade resumed for this year from May 1, Indian traders exported goods worth Rs three lakh but imports were zero as the items were not in market demand.

The Chinese delegation, during their discussions with the government officials and local traders, responded favourably to demands for expansion of trade items. They were also open to inclusion of tourism in the Nathu La trade as both sides would benefit from it.

After visiting the TAR today, the Chinese delegation will return tomorrow to Sikkim through Nathu La border before proceeding to Delhi on June 6, official sources said.

UNI