Shimla, Aug 1 (PTI) The cross-border trade between India and China through Shipki La, known as the ancient silk route joining India with Tibet, resumed on Saturday after a gap of six years.

Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday flagged off 16 traders after presenting traditional Khataks (ceremonial scarves) along with their horses towards Shipki village in Tibet.

The minister said that the exchange of various goods would take place via a barter system and that the traders would have to return after conducting trade in the Tibetan region for 72 hours.

He also inaugurated a modern trade mart (Chhuppan Trade Mart) constructed in the Shipki La area in the border Gram Panchayat of Namgya in Himachal's Kinnaur district at a cost of Rs 1.70 crore to facilitate border trade, a statement issued here said.

The minister urged local traders to strictly adhere to the import-export regulations prescribed by the Union Ministry of Commerce, ensuring transparency and compliance with the rules.

Preliminary information indicates that traders will be able to bring 72 types of items from the Indian side and 30 from the other side.

Responding to the Traders' Association's request to expand the scope of import-export goods, the minister stated that the proposal would be placed before Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu so that it could be conveyed to the Chinese government through the Ministry of External Affairs, following the necessary procedures.

Negi said that the resumption of trade via the Shipki La route would provide new strength to the economy of the border areas and would increase employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth besides boosting commercial activities in the region.

The state government is continuously working towards the holistic development of border areas with special emphasis on making life easier for people in remote regions by strengthening road connectivity, communication networks, and other basic amenities, he added. PTI BPL COR MR

Cross-border barter trade resumes through Shipki La, subject to permitted goods, time limits, and import-export compliance requirements. Cross-border barter trade through Shipki La between India and Tibet resumed after a six-year interruption. Traders may exchange specified goods under a barter arrangement and must return within 72 hours. Traders are required to comply strictly with import-export regulations prescribed by the Union Ministry of Commerce, emphasising transparency and regulatory compliance. Expansion of permitted goods may be pursued through prescribed governmental and external-affairs channels.