Minimum import rules for Nathu-la trade

Nathu-la (Indo-China border), Sikkim: The Chinese feel that the number of items listed for trade through Nathu-la is loaded in favour of India.

While Indian traders can export 29 items, they can import only 15.

Bu Jianguo, the deputy chief of mission and minister counsellor of the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, has promised to take up the issue with the Indian government. “If business is unilateral instead of bilateral, it is not good. We will see what can be done. The list of items has to be increased,” said Jianguo, before crossing over to China through the border outpost with a four-member delegation.

Another member of the group said the Indian government should adopt a liberal attitude. “Our list includes items like yak tail. These are of no use to anyone anymore,” he said.

It was 11 am when the group trudged in the drizzle tow ards the gate before being whisked away by Chinese officials who had come to receive them. Tangya, the district collector of Yadong, was among those present on the other side.

Jianguo was accompanied by Zhang Biao, third secretary and deputy chief of the political division, Liu Ran, the third secretary of the economic and commerce division, and Qian Junjun, the political attaché of the Chinese embassy.

Members of Indo-Tibet Traders’ Association from the Indian side headed by its president Chimmey Rinzing accompanied the delegation up to Renquinggang, the Chinese trade mart 21 km from the border.

Since the 14,400-ft border outpost reopened for trade on May 1 this year, business has been one-sided. While the export from India was around Rs 3 lakh, there were no imports from China.

This is the second official Chinese delegation to have crossed over to the Tibetan Autonomous Region through this border outpost. The first was led by Chinese ambassador Sun Yuxi on July 6 last year, when the border outpost first reopened after 42 years.

Jianguo, who had also visited Sherathang, the Indian trade mart 7 km from here, seemed satisfied with the infrastructure. “The Sikkim government has big plans. The prospect of both the countries seems bright. It is expected to increase with mutual understanding and trade.”

The Chinese team will call on chief minister Pawan Chamling and industries minister R.B. Subba after its return to Gangtok tomorrow.

Source: The Telegraph