Photo Courtesy: nenow
Gangtok: Nathula Pass is open for business again. After a six-year suspension following the COVID-19 pandemic, India and China resumed border trade at this historic crossing on Friday. Officials from both nations marked the revival with a ceremony at the border gate, where they exchanged trade passes before moving to the Sherathang Trade Mart for further proceedings.
Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister T.T. Bhutia stated the move will strengthen the local economy and create new jobs. The state government is now pushing the Director General of Foreign Trade to broaden the list of export items and increase the daily trade ceiling, which remains capped at 2 lakh rupees per trader. The current inventory of 36 approved Indian exports, including handicrafts and agricultural goods, has not changed. Similarly, imports from China still include items like wool, raw silk, and yak tail.
Traders claim the current list is obsolete. They want items that reflect modern market demand. Meanwhile, authorities have issued 38 trade passes so far, with more expected before August 1. An official noted, "As of now, around 38 trade passes have already been issued. We expect more to be issued before August 1."
The State Intelligence Bureau and district administration are weighing a deadline extension for new applicants. Trade will occur from Monday to Thursday, with the gate operating between 7:30 am IST and evening. Officials also designated the Nathu La and Sherathang areas as plastic-free zones. This revival coincides with the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, further signaling a return to pre-pandemic commercial and pilgrimage traffic in the region.
Comments