PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Bageshwar
The border trade between India and China (Tibet) through the Lipulekh Pass has resumed after a six-year hiatus. Happy over the long-awaited resumption, the traders said that it was an important step for the border area trade and the local economy.
Notably, the first 20-member trade delegation, led by the president of the India-China Trade Association, Pithoragarh, Jeevan Singh Ronkali, completed immigration procedures in Gunji on July 31 evening and arrived at Taklakot in Tibet via the Lipulekh Pass on Saturday morning. For security reasons, the delegation crossed the border under the supervision of ITBP personnel and the Chinese administration officials.
In the first phase, only those traders, who have previously been involved in this trade and are already registered, have been permitted. “The first group of traders will not bring new goods from India, but will instead begin trading using their merchandise already available in Taklakot. The remaining registered traders will be sent in a phased manner after receiving permission from China,” informed Ronkali.
While expressing satisfaction over the resumption of the border trade, he said that the lack of communication beyond Nabhidang remains a major challenge for traders and travellers. “If the facilities and infrastructure are further developed, this trade could prove even more profitable in the future,” he added.
