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Ministry requests Chinese side for speedy maintenance
Ministry of Commerce and Supply (MoCS) on Wednesday requested the Chinese side for speedy maintenance of the Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung route to enable bilateral trade.Ministry of Commerce and Supply (MoCS) on Wednesday requested the Chinese side for speedy maintenance of the Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung route to enable bilateral trade.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai, ministry officials urged the Chinese side to resume cargo clearance through Rasuwagadhi as soon as possible.
This is the second time in past week, since the Indian side imposed restrictions on Nepal-bound cargos, the government held talks with Chinese embassy officials over the issue.
“We requested the Chinese side to complete reconstruction work on their side soon in order to resume bilateral trade,” said the MoCS Secretary Naindra Prasad Upadhyaya.
Compared to the Tatopani-Khasa route, the Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung route is less affected by the April 25 earthquake.
According to the ministry, the Chinese envoy was positive on the issue. “However, it is yet to confirm the exact date when the reconstruction work will complete,” he said.
The ministry said it took the initiative with an aim to resume the supply of essentials just ahead of Dashain and Tihar festivals.
Upadhyaya said the ministry also held talks on the possibility bringing fuel from China. “However, we are yet to ascertain the economic viability,” he said.
Nepal had been using Barahbise-Tatopani-Khasa and Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung land routes for the trade with China. Both of these routes have remained closed since the April 25 earthquake. Roads connecting both the border points are badly hit on either side.
Although China is reluctant to reopen the Barahbise-Tatopani-Khasa route, it is positive on opening the alternative Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung trade route, MoCS officials said.
The ongoing strikes in the Tarai region have impeded supply from India for the last one and half months.
In addition, the undeclared embargo imposed by India on Nepal has worsened the situation.