Sikkim Seeks Special Export Support for Himalayan States, Says Nathu La Trade Route Restoration Complete

PTI, July 3, 2026, Gangtok: Sikkim has urged the Centre to introduce a dedicated export promotion framework for Himalayan and northeastern states while seeking greater flexibility under the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA) to address the unique challenges faced by hill states.

Representing the state at the 5th meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade, chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Friday, State Commerce and Industries Minister T. T. Bhutia highlighted Sikkim's strengths in organic agriculture, pharmaceuticals, GI-tagged products, horticulture, floriculture, handicrafts, wellness products and sustainable tourism.

According to a statement by the Commerce and Industries Department, Bhutia said Sikkim remains committed to the Prime Minister's vision of "Build More, Produce More, Connect More and Export More" and outlined initiatives undertaken by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

The minister called for a dedicated component under the Centre's Export Promotion Mission for Himalayan and northeastern states, focusing on export readiness, branding, logistics, digital commerce, quality certification and capacity building for MSMEs.

Bhutia also sought implementation flexibility under BHAVYA through hill-specific models, citing the scarcity of suitable industrial land in mountainous regions.

He further highlighted the completion of infrastructure restoration on the historic Nathu La trade route, welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La Pass, and stressed the need to revive border trade.