Indo-Tibet trade hits a new low

With Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit starting today, concern is being expressed at the falling trade between India and Tibet. But despite the two countries (India and China) taking steps to boost the business ties, the annual India-Tibet trade through the Lipu-Lekh Pass bordering Pithoragarh district in Uttaranchal has suffered badly. The situation was no different at Nathu La pass, officials said.

With the annual Indo-Tibet barter trade coming to an end on October 31, final statistics showed that the volume of business stagnated at Rs 1.05 crore this year, which was far less than the previous year. While goods worth Rs 81 lakh were imported, the export business stood at Rs 24 lakh. "This is a matter of concern that the trade is falling between India and Tibet at Lipu-Lekh," said Ajay Tolia, a trader in Pithoragarh.

Traders are angry with the Centre for imposing a ban on importing trade items like Chinese raw silk and livestock, which are in great demand in India.

Since the trade from the 16,500-feet-high- Lipu-Lekh Pass began from June 1, the demand for revoking the ban on the import of Chinese raw silk and livestock from the Communist country is also gaining ground. Tribal Bhotia traders have showed reluctance to participate in the barter trade due to the ban on the import of livestock and silk from the country. "We have forwarded the demands of the traders to the Centre," said a Pithoragarh district official. The demand for Chinese silk has been growing in India but the government thinks that its import will affect the local trade in the country.

On the other hand, the ban on the import of livestocks has been imposed as no quarantine facility is available in the Indian side.

Through the barter trade with their Chinese counterparts, traders exchange goods like jaggery, wool, spices and blankets, among other things.