Nepal conducts feasibility study to develop dry port at border point

Updated: December 3, 2020 Source: Xinhuanet.com
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The Nepali government is conducting a feasibility study to develop Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) at Korala pass area of the Nepal-China border point in western Mustang district to facilitate the bilateral trade, a senior Nepali government official said.

Even though formal international trade between Nepal and China has not yet begun through the Korala-Zhongba border point in Mustang, the two countries had agreed to develop this border point along with other several border points in 2012. Currently, only two border points, Tatopani-Zhangmu and Rasuwagadhi-Kerung (Geelong), are open for international trade.

"We have hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to develop an ICD at Korala pass, the Nepal-China border point in Mustang," Ashish Garjurel, executive director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, told Xinhua on Tuesday. The main objective of the board is to oversee the economical and efficient management of ICDs for the facilitation of Nepal's foreign trade.

ICDs, known as dry ports, play an important role to facilitate trade by facilitating speedy customs clearance, goods handling, and trans-shipment of goods from one mode to another.

"We have asked the consultant to submit a report recommending what type of infrastructure will be required in the short-term, medium-term and long-term considering the potential trade volume through this border point," Gajurel said.

Gajurel said that given the large space available for developing ICD at Korala pass, there would be adequate space for developing larger infrastructure there.

A dry port has already been prepared in the bordering Tatopani area in Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal with the assistance of China. Another dry port is under construction at Rasuwagadhi, another border point, also with the Chinese assistance.

According to Gajurel, Nepal also has planned to take necessary measures to facilitate trade between Nepal and China through other border points including Kimathanka in eastern Sankhuwasbha disrict, Olangchunggola in eastern Taplejung district and Yari in western Humla district.

Editor: Yu Huichen