Shipki La border trade: Kinnaur authorities finalise modalities

Modalities for the resumption of India-China border trade through the Shipki La in Kinnaur district are in the final stages, with authorities intensifying efforts to facilitate smooth operations for local traders. A meeting of registered traders was held at Pooh on Thursday under the chairmanship of Vipin Thakur, Assistant Commissioner to the Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur. An official from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), New Delhi, also joined the deliberations through video conferencing.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the operational framework for border trade. Officials from various departments were briefed about the approved list of import and export items to ensure coordinated implementation. Traditional imports through the route will include footwear, yak wool and pashmina wool, while exports will comprise handloom shawls, agricultural implements and Ayurvedic medicines.

Thakur informed traders that Bhim Singh Negi, Tehsildar, Pooh, has been designated as the Trade Officer for the region. He said trade permits would be issued to eligible local traders after completion of police verification formalities.

The Assistant Commissioner also reviewed the condition of the Namgya-Shipki La road and sought updates on the Chhupan Trade Mart, a facility built at a cost of Rs 72 lakh to support cross-border commerce.

Officials indicated that trading activities are expected to commence shortly once all procedural and logistical requirements are completed.