Merchants await reopening of route between India and China
(AP)
Updated: 2006-07-05 15:42
"The resumption of trade is a sign of closer ties between the two countries.
It will be possible to begin a bus service between Gangtok and Lhasa sometime
later," Chamling said.
Authorities on both sides were working to make sure facilities like the bank,
telecommunication center and customs facility were ready for the surge in
visitors.
At a dry run on Tuesday, everything went according to plan, except for one
small hitch, said Subba. There are not enough parking spaces for the 150
vehicles expected at the ceremony.
Initially the trade though the route will be limited.
On the Indian side, trade permits initially will only be issued to residents
of Sikkim. "The idea is to make sure that the economic benefits of the border
trade reach the local population," said Sikkim Industries and Commerce Secretary
Karma Gyatso.
And while trade through Nathu La will be duty-free, Indian exports are
limited for now to an approved 29 commodities, mostly food items.
The Chinese traders are restricted to brining in 15 types of goods, including
goat and sheep skins, wool and herbs.
Traders are already clamoring to have other goods added to the
list.
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