NATHU LA Border trade for 2009 to close today


GANGTOK, November 29: Trade between India and China through the fabled Silk Route will close tomorrow for the year 2009.
According to some of the Indian traders, no such closing function has been organized on either sides of the border tomorrow. “We will just offer khadas as a goodwill gesture to our business partners with the hope of having good business next year,” said Anil Kumar Gupta, one of the Indian traders while talking with Sikkim Express.
It has been learnt that almost 30 Indian traders are in the preparation to participate in the last day of border trade. On the other hand, more than 50 Chinese traders are expected to cross the border tomorrow to reach Sherathang Mart.
In the meantime, the border trade for the fourth consecutive year, which resumed on March 5 earlier this year, has shown low key import business. Both the traders are hopeful that the government of two countries will review the goods list to make the business viable next season.
The total assessment of the business transactions this year will be informed by the Department of Commerce and Industries tomorrow.