The resumption of border trade between India and China through Nathula in Sikkim has been set tentatively for September this year.
This has been conveyed to the Sikkim government by a 12-member inter-ministerial team from New Delhi, Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling's advisor B B Gooroong told PTI in Gangtok on Thursday.
However, in the initial phase trading activities between the two countries will be on a 'small scale' and be 'localised.' It will remain confined to a radius of only 15 kms on either side of the border in the beginning, he said.
Full-scale trade between the two countries through Nathula may start later depending on the results of the initial phase.
Trade marts will be set up at Sharathang, a village about 7 kms from Nathula on the Indian side of the border and at Rinchingang, which is around 8 kms from the international border in China, Gooroong said.
The team led by National Security Council additional secretary S D Pradhan and comprising officials of the home ministry, defence, commerce and industries, Customs,
Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing is in Gangtok to explore the possibilities of an early opening of border trade through Nathula between the two neighbouring countries.
Ever since the Sino-Indian trade pact was signed in 2003, the people of the Himalayan state have been eagerly looking forward to resumption of trade between the two neighbours through the mountain pass.
The Sikkim government has been asked to start building the infrastructure in the area with the September deadline in mind, Gooroong said.
Hailing the Centre's move, he said besides strengthening the ties between the two countries, the reopening of the Nathula trade route will be highly beneficial for the people of the state.
"Traders of the state in general and pilgrimage tourism in particular will hugely benefit from it," he said adding that the route to Mansarovar via Nathula was a short cut in comparison to the existing route through Nepal.
The inter-ministerial team from New Delhi visited Nathula and adjoining areas in east Sikkim to identify spots where necessary infrastructure like customs and immigration offices, money exchange and communication centers would come up to facilitate trading activities.
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