Tatopani transit point handling only limited export cargo

TATOPANI: Tatopani transit point on Nepal-China border in Sindhupalchok district has been seeing partial exports only. The transit point was reopened for full-fledged operation on May 1, 2023, raising hopes of increased trade since it was closed to stem the outbreak of Covid 19 in March 2020. Three containers loaded with utensils and handicraft goods for export to China and headed for Sigatse are stuck at Tatopani dry port. These goods were destined for Shigatse in response to the demand placed by Chinese traders. "The export is almost non-existent. It has been a week now since the export clearance forms for this consignment have been filled up. Instead of the exports picking up, even the number of containers carrying imported goods through this transit point is decreasing day by day," said Dayananda KC, Chief Customs Officer at Tatopani Customs Office. With the opening of export, Nepali traders can now take containers carrying export goods, including herbs and food grain up to the midpoint of the Miteripul or Nepal-China Friendship Bridge on the border. "It's not that the people's and vehicles' movement is allowed up to Khasa. Only the export consignment can be transported up to Khasa," Chief Customs Officer KC said. His observation is that Nepalis cannot supply adequate goods for export through the transit point like before. Earlier, the export of food grains, vegetables, as well as herbs up to Khasa, was a good source of income for Nepalis. Around 500 Nepalis used to reside in Khasa by running different activities including hotels. But there is no crowd of people in Khasa. Customs Officer KC said there is no possibility of export of goods except handicraft goods from Nepal even when exports are opened. Nepali businesspersons bring apples, garlic and clothes in 6-7 containers up to Miteri bridge towards Nepal through Silk Company from Khasa. In a meeting, businesspersons demanded the Chinese Side allow them to go up to Khasa, but it was not positive towards it, according to Manager of Silk Company, Bijay Sherpa. Earlier, apples, garlic, wool, as well as heavy-weight goods including pipes of hydropower projects were imported via Tatopani checkpoint. More than 600 workers used to load and unload goods in a queue system at the customs yard. A target of collecting Rs 4.62 billion in revenue was set in the current fiscal year, however, only Rs 2.20 billion has been collected so far. A local businessman, Dorjee Lama, said they have been facing problems as China has now started delivering goods through trade channels. It would take around one month to receive one container of goods, he added. By RSS READ ALSO:

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