SIKKIM: Our larger goal to transform Sikkim into a total Organic State by 2015 – Chamling


GANGTOK, August 28: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today expressed his confidence that Nathu La border will become one of the most important land trade corridors in the country.

“We are sure that in due course of time, the Nathu La border will become one of the most important land trade corridors in the country”, said the Chief Minister in his keynote address during a seminar on the ‘Export Potential of Sikkim’ organized by EXIM bank here at Gangtok.

The seminar was organized in association with State Commerce and Industries department and Sikkim Chamber of Commerce which was attended by top brass of EXIM bank, Sikkim MP PD Rai, government officials and members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce.

Pointing out that the Nathu La is being used now just for local border trade, Mr. Chamling said: “It is hoped that in due course, we will be able to open it up for more exports to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and their needs”.

“We are negotiating with the Chinese government through the Central government to upgrade the list of tradable items and to introduce new items and to do away with some obsolete items contained therein. This will make our cross-border trade more robust and need-based”, said Mr. Chamling.

The Chief Minister said that the State government required technological know how to harness its natural resources and cash crops in view of their export potential. He urged the EXIM Bank to think of possibilities of getting export benefits through institutions like NABARD for promotion of healthy varieties of large cardamom for the farmers of Sikkim.
“Our larger goal has been to transform our State into a total organic State by year 2015. And we need to tell the world more aggressively that what we produce and sell is 100 percent organic brining special tag value to our products”, Mr. Chamling said. He added that Sikkim is the hub of some very exportable commodities like ginger, cherry pepper, large cardamom, mandarin orange, passion fruits, cut flowers and medicinal herbs.

Mr. Chamling also urged the public and private sector industries to set up smaller industries in the state and said that his government has had a consistent policy to encourage the participation of the industrial houses for the industrialisation and economic development of the state.

The Chief Minister highlighted that despite locational disadvantage, the State had been making progress in rapid strides which were visible.

“Tourism is already booming in our State”, said Mr. Chamling asking the EXIM Bank to think of finding better ways of extending marketing opportunities to get overseas partners.

Sikkim Lok Sabha member PD Rai also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, BP Pradhan, secretary of State Commerce & Industries department placed the welcome address while Sikkim Chamber of Commerce SK Sarda presented the vote of thanks.