June 30, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 3, 1427

NEW DELHI, June 29: The Nathu La Pass, which will open for border trade between India and China on July 6, after a gap of 44 years, may soon become an alternative to sea route with the government studying the possibility for normal bilateral trade through the land route.

“We are examining whether more items can be allowed duty-free from Nathu La or expand it for normal bilateral trade between the two countries, which currently happens through the sea route,” Christy Fernandez, additional secretary in the commerce ministry was quoted as saying.

Fernandez, who earlier this month led the first Indian delegation to cross over from India to China through Nathu La in more than four decades, said the government would try to include more items for trade through the land route after studying the impact of opening the border route.—APP