Sikkim Commerce Minister asks Centre to open border trade through NathuLa and Chewa Bhanjyang

Pritam Lama, EOI, September 14, 2024, Gangtok: Sikkim's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Tshering T. Bhutia, has urged the Central Government to facilitate the opening of border trade routes through Nathu La and Chewa Bhanjyang. Bhutia made the appeal in Mumbai on Friday while speaking at a meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade, chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. Nathu La lies on the Tibet border, while Chewa Bhanjyang is located on the Nepal border.

Bhutia emphasized Sikkim's vast potential for exporting organic products such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and dalley chillies. He announced that the state is working on establishing export facilitation cells in all districts to streamline the process. He also highlighted Sikkim's creative potential, mentioning sectors like animation, 'manga,' and films, which could boost service exports. The state aspires to become a hub for creative industries and attract outsourcing work for such sectors.

In addition, Bhutia stressed the importance of increasing international tourist arrivals to boost export revenues. Sikkim is developing world-class tourist infrastructure, including skywalks, ropeways, and conference facilities, to attract more foreign visitors.

"Sikkim is committed to contributing to the national vision of increased exports and economic growth under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay," Bhutia said, expressing optimism about the role of the northeast in the future of trade.

The session included interactive presentations from various state governments, showcasing their achievements in export promotion, ease of doing business, and state-level initiatives. States like Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim are expected to enhance the export potential of the northeast region.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal noted that Sikkim, being an organic state, has the potential to increase its export revenue from Rs 80 crore to Rs 8,000 crore by 2030. He called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to achieve this goal.