New transit points mooted

Kathmandu, September 21

A team from the Chinese government is making on-site visits to five of the 13 newly proposed transit points between China and Nepal.

The decision was taken during a meeting held yesterday between Chinese and Nepali officials. The Nepali side had proposed to consider opening 13 new border transit points between the two countries with a view to enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade and business.

The meeting was held to consider amendments to agreement on road transportation between Nepal and China. The Chinese side, however, did not mention the names of the proposed five transit points, said Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Saroj Pradhan. He added that no talks were held on closing the Tatopani transit point.

On Monday, during a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Bir Bahadur Balayar had proposed opening 13 new transit points along the border between Nepal and China.

The initiative is part of Nepal’s preparation to open additional transit points.