Friday, September 23 2005 15:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Rangiya (Assam): Observing that bilateral trade between India and China would rise to over two billion dollar in a couple of years, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today (Sept 23, 2005)said the Nathu Laborder trade point would be opened soon in Sikkim and talks were on to establish more such points in near future.

"There has been a massive expansion of bilateral trade which has now touched 13 billion dollars. It is expected to reach 20 billion in a couple of years," he told reporters after addressing troops at 21 Moutain Division headquarters in Rangiya.

Announcing that the Nathula trade point would be established soon, he said the Commerce Ministry and the State Govt were working on its procedures and logistics.

"More international trade points would be opened we will also try to revive traditional trading areas," with Bangladesh and Myanmar to step up economic growth in border areas in a big way, Mukherjee said adding such a move would provide employment and livelihood to the local people and go a long way to end insurgency.

Describing the trade proposals as a 'welcome sign', Mukherjee said similar trade with Bangladesh and Myanmar could benefit the country, specially the North Eastern region.