Efforts on to let Chinese trucks unload at Larcha customs

THE District Administration Office (DAO) Sindhupalchok has initiated efforts to have imported perishable goods carried in Chinese containers transported directly to the customs office at Larcha in a bid to prevent them from spoiling. The move is an effort to cut transfer times for perishable goods such as apple, ginger and garlic as Nepali trucks go to the border town of Khasa in China to pick up cargo infrequently. Currently, Chinese containers unload the goods imported by Nepali traders at Khasa, and Nepali trucks bring them to Nepal. However, due to the narrow roads in Khasa, many Nepali trucks cannot enter the town easily. Dilli Raj Pokharel, chief district officer (CDO) of Sindhupalchok, said that the administration has also promised Chinese authorities to allow the transportation of goods related to hydropower projects and telecommunication directly to Larcha. However, Chinese officials have expressed concern over security as Nepal suffers from frequent strikes. They are also concerned about insurance coverage for containers entering Nepal. In an effort to allay the fears of the Chinese authorities, the DAO organized a meeting of local traders based in the bordering areas and traders’ associations. Organisations such as the Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Trade Association, Nepal Truck and Container Entrepreneurs Association and local traders on the Nepal-China border have pledge their solidarity in writing at the efforts being made by the local administration. Meanwhile, Ashok Kumar Shrestha, a local trader, said there had been a lot of difficulties in sending Nepali containers to Khasa to pick up Nepal-bound goods where they are unloaded from Chinese containers. “The new provision will also help increase revenue collection if implemented,” he added. Mimansha Adhikari, chief of the Tatopani Customs Office, said it had become essential to facilitate transportation of goods like readymade garments, shœs and sandals to Nepal as they account for a large portion of revenue collection. Both the government officials and traders believe that opening the door to direct shipment of Chinese containers to Nepali customs office for some goods could ease imports of other goods which generate high revenue. Given this context, the Nepali side has made a formal request to the Chinese side for direct entry of Chinese trucks to Nepal’s customs office during the meeting held at Kuti, Tibet in June. Pokharel said they had received a positive response from the Chinese side, but he insisted that the Nepali side should address their genuine concerns too. “The police administration will not compromise with regard to security threats to such trucks,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pratap Gurung. “We need support from local traders for this purpose.” Nepal imported apples worth Rs 1 billion during the last fiscal year. Around 40 containers arrive in Khasa daily carrying Nepal-bound apples. CDO Pokharel said that once internal preparations are completed, the administration would formally approach the Chinese side.