Sweetening ties-A reality: Bilateral trade between India-China through Nathu La resumes

New Delhi, May 2: Today Sikkim's Nathu La pass for India-China trade was finally opened after 10 long months. The bilateral trade between India and China through Nathu La border has resumed, post Doklam stand-off. On June 16 last year, the Dokalam controversy started between India and China. The 73-day-long dispute was resolved on August 28, 2017. 

Expressing hope for a better transaction this year, General Secretary of the Indo-China Border Traders’ Welfare Association, Tenzing Tsepel, said, trading through Nathu La was possible only for two weeks last year due to the Doklam standoff which resulted into losses.

A meeting was also held between the representatives of both sides yesterday on how to make this year’s trade more efficient and cordial. An official said Issues like currency exchange, road connectivity and problems due to inclement weather were discussed at the meeting.

Trade between India and China through Nathu La border, located at a height of 14,200 feet, resumed in 2006, 44 years after it was closed.

The trade, scheduled till 30th November, will take place four days a week – Monday to Thursday. Despite inclement weather in the last few days, the trade opening day was blessed with sunny weather and officers and traders of both the sides reached the Nathu La for the resumption of trade for the year 2018. As per the agreement, both countries agreed to the list of items to 36 as export items and 20 as import items.

Officials and traders from India and China wished each other a prosperous trade and assured to extend the best possible help to each other for a smooth and peaceful trade. On the commencement of Nathu La, officials and businessmen on both sides shared each other with sweets and gifts.