Wednesday, June 14 2006 11:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: The long awaited-resumption of border trade between India and China through Nathula in Sikkim has been finally set for June 30.

The date was finalised by the Commerce Ministry in New Delhi on June 7, Director of Commerce and Industries Department (Sikkim) S P Subba told sources here today.

"The date, however, is subject to change considering the high altitude of Nathula (14,400 feet above sea level) and the proneness of the route to climatic vagaries including landslides", he said.

Describing resumption of trade between the two Asian giants through the Himalayan pass as a historic event that will further cement bilateral ties between them, Subba said all the infrastructure needed to handle initial trade between the two neighbours was perfectly in place.

"Sino-Indian border trade through Nathula in East Sikkim is resuming after a gap of 44 years. In the beginning, however, trade between the two countries through Nathula will be localised and remain confined to the border area only," he said.

"About 28 items, including agricultural implements, blankets, foodgrains, agro-chemical products, dry fruits, beverages and canned food have been approved by the centre for trade between the two countries, "he added.