Bengal uncertain over start of Nathula trade

State prefers full-fledged trade, Centre for border trade

The prospects of trade through the Nathula Pass appears to be under cloud with the state government expressing doubts about the of commencement of trade which is expected to bring enormous economic benefit to West Bengal as well as the whole of North-Eastern India.

"We are confused regarding the date and when trade shall start using the Nathula pass. Moreover, government of India is now talking of only 'border-trade' through this route whereas the state government wants the route to be used for full fledge trade purpose, as well as for tourism," said Asok Bhattacharya, state minister for municipal affairs and urban development departments, at an interactive session on 'Urban Development Prospects - Focus: North Bengal' organised by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).

The West Bengal state government is in favour of using the pass for full-fledged trade and tourism, but the government of India (GoI) wants only border trade, that would just mean a sort of 'barter' of few commodities, he explained.

"Delegation from central government comes and only meets the Sikkim state government. They should definitely meet the West Bengal state government (GoWB), as investment are primarily going to take place in plains of Siliguri, Jalpaiguri area," complained Bhattacharya.

The state government has been raising voice for full fledge trade using Nathula pass but there has yet not been any change in union government's decision, informed Bhattacharya.

"We have already met commerce secretary and after that an additional secretary has also visited Sikkim, but they still want to carry with only border trade," he noted.

He further noted that GoI should provide GoWB and Sikkim government with special fund for bridging the infrastructure gap in the region.

"West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) has already been granted a sum of Rs 3-4 crore for conducting a study pertaining to infrastructure requirement of the region," he added.

The minister also welcomed private partnership in this area.

"The state government is keen to enlist private sector participation in infrastructure development including urban infrastructure by the way of evolving new paradigm of 'public private partnership' in North Bengal," Bhattacharya added.

It was also informed that there has been significant increase in interest from private sectors in several segments including food processing, agro based industry, township and mall development, amongst others.