The Centre is planning to increase trade
with China through the Nathu La corridor and set up permanent
infrastructure at the high altitude trade route.
"The Centre also has plans to improve
the transport sector to a multi-link facility between Sikim
and the rest of the country." Explaining Delhi's stand
on the two issues, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special
envoy to Sikkim Mr Shyam Saran today said here: "Look
at India as an opportunity not as threat."
Informing that expansion of the list of items to be traded
trough the corridor was being discussed with China, Mr Saran
added: "The long term goal is to develop Nathu La as
a land customs station. We are also working to expand the
duration of trade period so that trade can take place in winters
too."
All these would need and call for improved
connectivity between Sikkim and the rest of the country and
the Centre is mindful towards that too Mr Saran indicated.
"To develop the border state for trade, stress would
be given on connectivity. Air link, railway link, electric
link and up-gradation of the National Highway is on the cards
for Sikkim," he added.
According to the envoy, the task force
of Planning Commission appointed by the Prime Minister had
recommended reorganisation of Nathu La into a recognised LCS.
"Both India and China are watching how Nathu La develops.
Once the trade between two countries hits a high other demands
like a bus service from Gangtok to Lhasa and opening of tourism
in Kailash Mansarovar Lake may follow," he said.
Outlining India's foreign policy, the emissary said: "Earlier,
border states were treated as buffer zones, a creation of
the British, which kept the border areas underdeveloped. But
times have changed and so have policies," he added.
Mr Saran also observed that Sikkim had
the potential to develop into a Himalayan zone road network.
"Sikkim also has tremendous geographical advantages,
which is an asset for tourism prospects and the state can
develop into a major hydro energy generating hub. These are
priority sectors in Sikkim and would be addressed accordingly." |
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