Sixth season of border trade ends at Nathu la
PTI | 06:12 PM,Dec 03,2011

Gangtok, Dec 3 (PTI) The sixth season of Indo-China border trade through the 14,000 feet high Nathula Pass came to a close with the final day of trading. Besides trading, the day was marked with exchange of gifts among the traders and get-togethers between relatives otherwise separated by the border. There was also a cultural programme organized at Sherathang, the trade mart on the Sikkim side, by Indian traders along with food and drinks on the last day, November 30. Exports dipped in September to Rs. 42 lakh as a result of the quake and the blockade of the route to Tsomgo and Nathula. The actual figure of exports for the month of October is Rs. 94,62,225. Figures for the month of November are being computed. A bulk of the export from Sikkim is of vegetable oil , which, during the month of September, was worth Rs. 20.22 lakh. Next are copper items, canned foods, blankets, textiles and tea. Cigarettes are also a favoured item of export. The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, had visited Sikkim in the month of July to study the existing road conditions along the border trade route and also the infrastructure existing at the trade mart at Sherathang. The objective of the visit was to weigh the feasibility of changing the status of trade but as the infrastructure and double laning of the road had not been completed nothing could be decided.