Nathu-la trade

TT, Gangtok, May 13: The Nathu-la trade that could not start on the scheduled date because of bad weather kicked off today, after almost two weeks.

Although the trade was declared open on May 1, no transactions took place because of snowfall and frequent landslides along JN Marg.

“Thirty Chinese traders reached Sherathang (14,500ft) today,” said Sumita Pradhan, deputy secretary of commerce and industries department. But 25 Indian traders who had permits could not go beyond Sherathang for bad roads.

The Chinese got garments, shoes, quilts, blankets and carpets. “Indian traders took religious items (beads, prayer wheels, incense sticks, butter lamps), processed food, quilts, spices,” said a businessman.