The Hindu Business Line : Border trade with China resumes at Nathula

Thirteen Indian traders entered the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China at 11 a.m. today from the Nathula point in East Sikkim, 14,800 ft above sea level, marking the start of the second season of border trade with China.

The Indian traders were allowed to pass through after the formalities were completed in less than 10 minutes.

A Customs and immigration officer completed the formalities, after which Chinese officials escorted the Indian traders to the other side.

Mr Anil Kumar Gupta, a local trader from Gangtok and General Secretary of the newly formed Indo-China Traders Association of Sikkim, expressed happiness over the start of the second season, adding that his trip to the Donquingang Trade Mart in TAR, some 17 km from Nathula, would be "a recce" visit and the time spent there would be mostly to "survey and assess the market situation."

Biz as always

Although the Centre's announcement of the advancement of reopening for the second session came just two days ago, the local people involved in the Nathula trade expressed their "preparedness and excitement," and said that it was "business as always." The traders are hopeful of a greater volume of trade and a bigger turnover than in the last season.

"With the Sikkim Government and the Centre committed to clearing the bottlenecks hindering trade, we are hopeful that the returns this time around would be beyond expectations," said Mr Gupta.

Concerns

The biggest concern expressed by traders from both India and China relates to the items listed for trade, which is still based on trading that used to take place in the 50s and 60s.

"Once the list is revised and it reflects items in demand today, we expect the Nathula trade to double," said Mr Uttam Kumar Gurung, another local trader.

However, actual trading volume is expected to be low. Mr Gupta has taken with him a consignment of fine Indian rice, which has good demand in TAR.

A total of 29 Chinese traders crossed over to the Indian side today.

Ms Guo Ting, a young trader from Yatung in TAR, said at the Sherathang Trade Mart on the Indian side that she mostly bought biscuits and rice, adding that she was interested in Indian tea and Sikkim-made local pickles.