Wednesday, June 21 2006 13:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: The much awaited Sino-Indian border trade through Nathula in Sikkim, scheduled to begin on July 6, will initially be a localised and low-key affair.

Talking to reporters here after his return from Lhasa via Nathula, Additional Secretary Union Ministry of Commerce Christie Fernandez said in the initial phase, only traders from the border areas of the two countries would participate in the bilateral trade through Nathula.

"As per the basic concept of border trade, only commodities produced by the residents of the neighbouring areas of the border will be allowed to be traded free of duty between the two countries," said Fernandez, who had led a six-member delegation of Indian officials to the Tibetan capital recently to assess the Chinese preparedness for trade via Nathula.

He, however, added Nathula trade would be a great opportunity for the two Asian giants to get closer through people to people contact and boost their economies.

Describing the resumption of trade through Nathula after a gap of 44 years as a historic event, Fernandez said a solemn ceremony would be held at the border on July 6 to mark the occasion.

"Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Governor C Phuntso and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be among a host of dignitaries from both the countries to participate in this ceremony," he added.