The Hindu : National : Our economy will also benefit: Buddhadeb

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Friday, Jul 07, 2006

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Our economy will also benefit: Buddhadeb

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: Describing the reopening of the Nathu La Pass for Sino-Indian trade as a "historic occasion", West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said here on Thursday that "the economy of the entire region covering West Bengal and Sikkim would immensely benefit" with the resumption in bilateral trade."It [the resumption of trade through the pass] is a very good initiative."It would initially benefit Sikkim, he said and expressed the hope that the volume of trade would pick up shortly and boost the West Bengal economy too.

The Chief Minister was looking forward to greater participation of his Government in talks with the Centre on Sino-Indian trade through Nathu La as a large portion it would consist of exports from West Bengal in the future. "I discussed the matter with Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh during his recent visit."

Multidimensional effect

Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta said the resumption of trade would have a multidimensional effect on the State's economy. "Economic activity in both north and south Bengal was bound to flourish" as trade picked up through the pass.

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