The Nepal-China border point at Mustang’s Korala, which was opened for a local trade fair for 15 days, has been closed on the 12th day.

The Chinese side closed the border citing low business volume and inefficient security provisions, according to local traders.

They said they could not reach the border point for purchasing goods due to bad road condition.

Local authorities of the two countries had agreed to open the border point on June 29. The crossing was opened on August 10.

During the fair, sheep and Himalayan goats are sold and purchased. As the border opens only once a year, Nepali traders from Upper Mustang purchase essential goods for winter at the fair, which is held on the Tibetan side of the border. The traders then deliver the goods to various parts of Mustang.

As the road on Nepali side is rough, tractors are used for transporting goods. “The border was closed as business was not as good as it was expected,” said Ghyacho Gurung, a trucker.

The local customs office said wool, noodles, sheep and Himalayan goats were imported through the border this year, but no exports took place. The Chinese used to purchase Nepal’s pashmina and food items in previous years.

“We collected revenues worth just Rs97,000 in 12 days, which is very low,” said Shukra Darsan Dhungana, chief of the customs office.