Shipkila traders list demands as India, China reopen trade

As India and China agree to reopen trade through the Shipkila Pass, local traders have called for a revision of the export and import items list to make business more viable. The last batch of traders returned from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China on November 30, 2019, following the outbreak of Covid. Trade has remained suspended since then.

Traders have also sought the lifting of the ban on livestock trading, imposed in 2012 due to the absence of quarantine facilities.

Following directives from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on resuming border trade, the Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner, who also serves as the Trade Commissioner, has sought suggestions from traders.

“We have asked them to revise the trade list, which has not been changed since 2012, and also to get the expired Import Export Code (IEC) revived since it has lapsed as no trade has taken place after 2019,” said Hishey Negi, president of the Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association.

“We have also demanded a quarantine facility on the border as that hit the cattle trade. I requested the DC to take up the issue,” Negi added. He pointed out the high demand for the Chihu goat, which was previously imported from China into India.

Negi further highlighted the need for a skill-building workshop for traders, as some items on the import list, such as borax, szaibelyite and china clay, are little known among them in terms of use, demand and market potential.

Trade through Shipkila was first resumed in 1992, having been halted after the 1962 war with China. It usually takes place from June 1 to November 30 each year, once traders are issued permits by the Industries Department and the local administration. Although the official start is June, in practice traders — mostly from Nako, Chuppan, Chango and Namgiya — travel to China only in September and October with their goods.

Currently, 20 items are on the import list, including wool, pashmina, sheep skin, yak tails, yak hair, salt, shoes, blankets, quilts, carpets and herbal medicines. The export list carries 36 items such as coffee, tea, barley, rice, wheat, flour, dry fruits, tobacco, cigarettes, canned food, spices, watches, shoes, utensils, and handloom and handicraft items. Himachal Pradesh shares a 240-km boundary with China, 160 km in Kinnaur and 80 km in Lahaul-Spiti.