Myagdi. Entrepreneurs said new business opportunities have been created in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces after the start of trade between Nepal and China from Korala border point of Mustang.

With the blockade of Tatopani and Rasuwa border points, Nepali traders have started importing and exporting Chinese goods to Kathmandu via Mustang and Myagdi. The Korala checkpoint, which was opened only for the residents of Upper Mustang since November 11, 2080 BS, has come into operation commercially after two years.

Subin Shrestha, president of Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the Kaligandaki corridor and Korala border point have created new opportunities for trade and business in Dhaulagiri area.

He said that around three hundred containers have reached the Korala border point via Beni and Jomsom and another 1,500 containers are on their way to Korala to collect the Dashain goods. “Entrepreneurs from Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat and Kaski districts are excited after the operation of the Korala border point,” he said, adding, “It is cheaper to bring goods from Korala to Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.” ’

Ramesh Khadka, an officer at the customs office, said that the containers carrying goods purchased by Nepali traders in China for Dashain have been diverted to Korala after the closure of Rasuwa and Tatopani border points.

Khadka said the customs office was operated by constructing infrastructure, internet and electricity in a building constructed by the state government last year at Korala border point located at an altitude of four thousand seven hundred meters above sea level. A total of 151 electric vehicles have been imported from China through the border point.

Idols, cloth and bamboo logs have been exported from Nepal to China. A total of 55 Chinese containers carrying clothes for the Dashain festival have arrived at Korala checkpoint. More containers continue to arrive.

The Rasuwa checkpoint has been closed due to floods and landslides on July 7. Goods coming to Nepal from China via Tatopani border point have been halted for the past 46 days due to delay in road maintenance at Kodari of Sindhupalchowk. Industrialists and traders who were facing problems due to lack of raw materials and readymade goods on the eve of Dashain festival have got relief after the operation of Korala checkpoint.