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China trade via Nathu-la reopens

          Gangtok: The border trade between India and China via Nathu-la pass in Sikkim resumed on Tuesday, after the winter break. Twenty traders from Sikkim crossed into Tibet Autonomous Region and 29 traders from Chinese side came into India this morning. The trade began a month earlier than scheduled and will continue till November 30. As per the schedule announced last year, trading between the two neighbours through the pass was to start on June 1 and go on till September 30. The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries has announced the extension of the trading period by three months from May 1 to November 30. District Collector (East), Vishal Chauhan left for the Nathula border outpost on Monday to assess the preparations for the second season of trading. The decision to extend the period of trading follows a series of high level meetings held in New Delhi, Chauhan said. The border route will only be open to those traders who have new trade passes or travel passes issued by the District Collector, East. They will be allowed to move up to Renqquingang in the Tibet Autonomous Region on the basis of the travel pass. The District Collectorate (East) here has started issuing forms for travel passes of traders since Saturday. Last year's passes would have to be surrender at the District Collector's Office to get new passes. Twenty-nine items from Chinese side and 15 items from India are being traded.
-May 2,  2007