NEW DELHI: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling is hopeful that the first India-China bus service between Gangtok and Lhasa could begin in the future, after the Nathu La pass is formally opened for trade on July 6.

In an interview to The Hindu , Mr. Chamling, who pushed hard for trade through the Nathu La, said: "After the opening of this trade route, the relationship between the two countries will be good and much closer, and in future it will be possible to have [a] bus service and tourism also."

The opening of trade through Nathu La implied that the "hard" border was turning into a "soft one."

Mr. Chamling, currently in the capital, felt that Sikkim and other States would benefit in terms of trade and trade-related business. "Employment opportunities will also grow and side by side hotels, restaurants and transportation. ... Multi-opportunities are there after [the] opening of this trade route. We want to use this trade route as an instrument for the development of Sikkim and [the rest of] India."

Job prospects

Sikkim was expecting an initial 5,000 jobs from the opening of the trade. This would initially be restricted to Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

A "trade pass" would be required by traders to ply their wares between Serethang (India) and Renqinggang (China), a distance of 7-8 km from Nathu La. This trade would run four months a year — from June 1 to September 30. It would take place four days a week: Monday to Thursday from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. "All those who cross the border will be required to go back by 3.30 p.m. Time-wise it will be very, very strict for security and other reasons," Mr. Chamling said.

Exports expansion

Asked if he wanted more items added to the list of exports and imports, he said: "Yes. Initially, 29 items for export from India and 15 items for export from China have been agreed upon. This is the arrangement at present. We want more items to be included, and for this we have already held discussions with the Central Government.

"The Central Government will decide on holding negotiations with the Chinese Government. [The] list should be expanded while keeping in mind the interests of Sikkim. Accordingly, we will submit our list to the Central Government."

Asked whether this would expand economic engagement, Mr. Chamling said trade would be beneficial to both countries. "On the Indian side, as Chief Minister of Sikkim, I want to expand benefits from this trade route and minimise the fallout."

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