Dharchula: The India-China border trade, which resumed after a gap of six years, has run into serious problems at the very beginning, leaving Indian traders uncertain about the future of their business.
A 20-member Indian delegation, comprising 16 traders and four assistants, has already reached Taklakot in Tibet. However, the traders are reportedly sitting without fresh supplies as permission to send goods from India has not yet been granted by the Chinese administration.
The situation has also left the next group of traders waiting in India. The district administration has written to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking intervention in the matter.
Traders had been preparing for the limited-duration traditional border trade for nearly four months. This year, trade passes were issued for 62 traders and 92 assistants, taking the total number of people involved to 154. However, the lack of permission has prevented the remaining traders from travelling to Taklakot.
32 Traders Waiting for Permission
A group of 32 traders is currently waiting for clearance to travel to Taklakot. Traders said there has been no communication from the Taklakot administration to the local trade office regarding permission for the next group.
With no fresh goods reaching the market, business activity in Taklakot has reportedly remained extremely limited. Traders who have already reached the market are being forced to wait in their shops while the issue remains unresolved.
The traders have also expressed concern over the shrinking trading period. Since the trade is conducted for a limited period, every additional day of delay is affecting their ability to conduct business.
Traders Face Double Financial Burden
Traders said they have to pay annual rent for shops and accommodation in Taklakot. With little or no stock available for sale, they are unable to generate revenue while continuing to bear these expenses.
They have requested the district administration to take up the matter with the Central Government and ensure that goods can be transported to Taklakot at the earliest.
Traders also reported difficulties in opening bank accounts in Taklakot. According to them, their identity verification is not being completed using the trade passes, creating another hurdle for conducting business.
Administration Seeks Centre’s Intervention
The district administration has reportedly been communicating the situation to the Central Government. However, no clear communication has so far been received from either the Chinese administration or the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the next course of action.
The administration has indicated that its role is limited because the issue involves international trade and relations between the two countries. A decision at the Central Government level is therefore considered necessary.
District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai said a letter has been sent to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the matter. He said further action would have to be taken at the government level as the issue is international in nature.
The uncertainty has raised concerns among traders who had expected the resumption of border trade after six years to revive commercial activity in the region. With the trading window already limited, traders fear that continued delays could result in significant financial losses.
