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Chinese Apples Carriers Making Direct Way To Nepal
By KTM Metro Reporter
February 4, 2013: Chinese apples loaded in Khasa of Tibet can now directly reach Nepal's Larcha at the Nepal-China border. The new arrangements have been made following a request from the Tatopani Customs Office of Nepal with the Chinese authorities, as reported in the Nepalese media today, according to Xinhua news.
"Both Nepalese and Chinese sides have agreed to allow Chinese apple carriers up to the border-area Larcha in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal," said Nirmal Hari Adhikari, chief of Tatopani Customs Office, according to the Abhiyan daily. "This agreement will be implemented within two weeks," Adhikari said, adding that the new arrangement will reduce transport costs significantly.
As of today, it costs Rs 90,000 (around $ 1,060) to transport goods from the Friendship Bridge on the Nepal-China border to Kathmandu, a distance of about 120 kms. With the apple carriers directly coming to Larcha, this transport cost is expected to decrease to Rs 50-60,000 (around $ 590 to 705).
"Once the quarantine and inland container depot scheduled to be constructed by the Chinese side comes into effect, Nepal's export to China is also expected to boost up," said Adhikari.
"Nepal's Customs Office has been working hard to facilitate trade. But it is not enough and we are facing unnecessary difficulties in bilateral trade," said Keshab Bahadur Raimajhi, an export-import businessman. "Apple carriers create traffic jam for other goods carriers. Therefore, it's a wise decision to allow them up to Larcha," he said.
Meanwhile, cross-border trade between the two countries will delayed for 10 days, as the Chinese offices will remain closed starting on February 5 due to the Losar festival in Tibet.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/760041.shtml
