06 July 2006
Nathu La opens for trade
Border trade between India and China resumes through the Nathu La pass after an interval of over four decades. The opening of the pass, attended by Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) chairman Jampa Phuntsog (Chin: Qiangba Puncog) and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, is expected to boost the already flourishing bilateral economic ties between India and China. Trading will initially be confined to the border regions with only Sikkim-based businessmen allowed to trade in 29 items listed for export and 15 for import.