The much awaited Sino-Indian border trade through Nathu-la in Sikkim, scheduled to begin on July 6, will initially be a localised and low-key affair.
Talking to reporters in Gangtok after his return from Lhasa via Nathu-la, additional secretary, Union ministry of commerce, Christie Fernandez, said in the initial phase, only traders from the border areas of the two countries would participate in the bilateral trade through Nathu-la.
"As per the basic concept of border trade, only commodities produced by the residents of the neighbouring areas of the border will be allowed to be traded free of duty between the two countries," said Fernandez, who had led a six-member delegation of Indian officials to the Tibetan capital recently to assess the Chinese preparedness for trade via Nathu-la.
He, however, added Nathu-la trade would be a great opportunity for the two Asian giants to get closer through people to people contact and boost their economies.
Describing the resumption of trade through Nathu-la after a gap of 44 years as a historic event, Fernandez said a solemn ceremony would be held at the border on July 6 to mark the occasion.
Tibet Autonomous Region Governor C Phuntso and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be among a host of dignitaries from both the countries to participate in this ceremony, he added.
Comparing the infrastructural preparedness on both sides of the border, Fernandez said India was far ahead of its neighbour at the moment with almost all the trade-related infrastructure, including a trade mart, customs and immigration offices already set up at Sherathang, about five kms down the Nathu-la border.
On the Chinese side, however, the road from Nathu-la to Ringingang that will be the hub of trading activities after the opening of the route is still under construction, he informed.
Describing the facilities on the Indian side as superior to those on the Chinese side, Fernandez said further additions could be made to the existing infrastructure at Sherathang in future.
Giving details about how trade will be carried out through Nathu-la, he said trading will start in July and go on till September 30 every year. Trading will take place through the route only four days a week from Monday to Thursday.
On trading days, the hour of trading will start at 7.30 am and will be over at 3 pm, he said adding on each such day only 60 vehicles from either side will be allowed to ply between the two countries, he said.
Trade passes, he said, will be issued to interested entrepreneurs by Sikkim's East District magistrate and the traders will have to meticulously follow the rules and regulations laid down by the two countries for carrying out trading activities through the route.
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