Cross-border trade between India and China through the Shipki La pass, known as an ancient Silk Route connecting India with Tibet, resumed on Saturday after a six-year break.
Minister of Revenue and Horticulture Jagat Singh Negi accompanied 16 traders on Saturday, handing them traditional khatas (ceremonial scarves) along with their horses towards the village of Shipki in Tibet.
The Minister stated that the exchange of various goods would be conducted on a barter system, and the traders must return within 72 hours after conducting trade in the Tibetan region.
He also inaugurated a modern trade center (Chhuppan Trade Mart), built in the Shipki La area of Namgya Grampada, Kinnaur district of Himachal state, valued at 1.70 crore rupees, to facilitate cross-border trade, according to a statement made on site.
The Minister urged local traders to strictly adhere to the import-export rules set by the Union Ministry of Commerce, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Preliminary information indicates that traders will be able to bring 72 types of goods from the Indian side and 30 from the other side.
In response to the Trade Association's request to expand the range of goods for import and export, the minister stated that this proposal would be presented to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu so that it could be conveyed to the Chinese government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after completing the necessary procedures.
Negi noted that the resumption of trade along the Shipki La route will give new strength to the economy of border areas, increase employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, and support commercial activity in the region.
He added that the state government is continuously working on the comprehensive development of border zones, focusing on improving the lives of people in remote areas by strengthening road infrastructure, communication networks, and other basic amenities.
