Nepaltimes.com
November 5th, 2015
Nepal and China have agreed to work towards opening seven new border entry-exit points between the two countries.
Nepali and Chinese officials on Thursday agreed to give priority to works related to opening of Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Karola (Mustang), Olangchungola (Taplejung), Larke (Gorkha), Yari (Humla), Lamabagar (Dolakha) and Mugu border points.
Deputy Director General of Nepal’s Department of Customs Damdodar Regmi and Deputy Director General of China’s Lhasa Department of Customs Long Chengwei signed an understanding to this effect.
After the 25 April earthquake, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung is the only operational trade link between Nepal and China. Another major trade route, Tatopani, was blocked by the earthquake.
The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung trade route was also cut off by the earthquake. But China cleared it to supply fuel to Nepal after India imposed a blockade against the Himalayan country.
Nepali and Chinese customs officials also agreed to expedite construction of two dry ports in Timure of Rasuwa and Larcha of Sindhupalchok. They also agreed to ease entry of Nepali transporters into Tibet.
Nepal had not given priority to trade with China. But the fuel-strapped country is now exploring all options to import essential commodities from its northern neighbour after India’s blockade.
India is not happy with Nepal’s new constitution and has been imposing a blockade to put pressure on Kathmandu to address demands raised by Madhesi protesters. Madhesi parties are against the constitution because they feel they will be under-represented.
Talks between the government and Madhesi parties were in progress. But after an Indian protester was killed in police firing in Birganj on Monday, Madhesi parties have boycotted talks.
