KATHMANDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming held discussions on diplomatic and technical facilitation required for the operation of Tatopani customs point.

During the discussion, Chairman Shrestha urged the Chinese side to facilitate the immediate reopening of the Tatopani border point to reduce the disruption in the supply chain and ensure smooth supply to the traders and consumers. He stressed the need for continuous coordination between the two countries to ease the movement of trade in the difficult situation and to maintain the business confidence of the private sector.

The disruption at Rasuwagadhi and Korala transit points, the main northern trade transit points, has put further pressure on Nepal-China trade and supply chain ahead of the main trade season of festivals, he said.

The Chinese side has been positive about reopening the Tatopani customs point at the earliest to ease the trade pressure that has increased after the floods at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point. In response, Ambassador Zhang expressed concern over the human and economic losses caused by the floods to both Nepal and China and said that joint on-site inspections are being carried out between the Chinese and Nepali officials to bring the trade route into operation at the earliest.

Stating that the Chinese side has mobilized a rapid task force for the repair and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure, he said that necessary initiatives are being taken to ease life and transportation. The flood in the Bhotekoshi River has damaged the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border bridge, customs office, dry port (ICD) and 45 km of the 145-km road section connecting Kathmandu to the China border.

FNCCI President Shrestha thanked China for its support and solidarity in difficult times and stressed the need to make cooperation more effective to address the challenges of trade and investment. In this context, discussions were also held on organizing a joint business forum between the private sectors of Nepal and China to identify the challenges, possibilities and long-term solutions for economic recovery.

On the occasion, FNCCI Senior Vice-President Sur Krishna Baidya and Director General Dr. Gopal Prasad Tiwari said that Nepal and China should work together in the areas of bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation.