Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 24:

Commenting about the full operation of Banglaband land port, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), an apex body of the business sector, today said that it has opened the doors for Nepali exporters to export goods to Bangladesh easily in days ahead. Land port was formally inaugurated on Saturday. The FNCCI, after two days

of opening, has lauded the role played by Bangladesh government, diplomats and Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) by issuing a press statement today. Talking to The Himalayan Times, Binod Bahadur Shrestha, president of FNCCI opined that traders should do business using the Banglabandh land port and facilities made available by the Indian side in regard to customs and security arrangements without any hindrances.

Shrestha expressed happiness that goods now can be exported to Bangladesh after the completion of the land port at Bangladesh which will play a significant role in augmenting trade flow to the sub-region consisting of Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Nepal. Shrestha also opined that essential facilities are available at the Banglaband border point and Phulbari land Customs Station of West Bengal. He thanked the government of India for facilitating immediate cross border movement of goods along the land route. FNCCI has also welcomed the railway agreement between Nepal and India for the operation of Inland Clearance Depot (ICD). ICD will prove to be a milestone for export of Nepali goods to India and third countries. The operation of ICD will help reduce the cost of transportation while exporting to other countries, said FNCCI in its press statement. FNCCI believes that ICD will come into operation by July 16, 2004.