The Hindu Business Line : Sikkim traders export goods worth Rs 95 lakh thru Nathu La

Gangtok, Nov 28 The third season of the Nathu La border trade between Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) concluded yesterday on an optimistic note with traders from both sides expecting a more fruitful year ahead. A simple function attended by State Government officials, Sikkimese and TAR traders at Sherathang trade mart located near the Nathu La border marked the end of this year’s season which had begun on May 19.

The participation of the TAR traders was pretty healthy compared to the low turnout of Sikkimese traders in the closing ceremony summing up the response of local traders towards border trade. However, Sikkimese traders have dominated the border trade in the past seven months till November 25.

Lopsided business

Official records show the Sikkimese traders have managed to export items worth Rs 95 lakh to TAR while TAR businessmen could sell items worth only Rs 1.35 lakh to their Sikkimese counterparts during the entire trading season. It also reflects the odds pitted against them by the list of scheduled items for trade and is also a testimony to the lopsided business being conducted at Nathu La.

A brief meeting was held between the Sikkimese officials, traders and TAR representatives on the closing ceremony which saw an exchange of views and ideas on how the trade can be improved. “The Chinese traders have demanded more export of items and also the early

Obsolete list

According to the bilateral agreement, only scheduled items are allowed for border trade. Most of the items listed are obsolete and do not have any commercial value, a fact which both the Chinese and Sikkimese traders have been highlighting. The Sikkim Government has been asking the Centre to revamp the list of items and include commercially viable items to boost the trade.

Among the other issues discussed were permission for Indian traders to stay at Renqinggang for at least two days; issuance of the Import-Export Code for Sikkim traders without PAN; lifting of the trade limit restriction of Rs 25,000 a day/ trader; issuance of dollars to traders for trade purposes; and improvement in road connectivity, especially along National Highway 31A.

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