Nepal-China Border Dialogue Highlights Urgent Infrastructure Needs at Korala Transit Point

The Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa recently organized two key interactions in Lomanthang and Jomsom to address issues related to Nepal-China trade facilitation and border management.

The meeting in Lomanthang saw the active participation of Raju Bista, Chairperson of Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, and Tashi Nurbu, Chairperson of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, alongside other local representatives. Meanwhile, the Jomsom interaction was joined by Mustang’s Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal, elected officials, social workers, and security body chiefs.

A central concern raised at both events was the lack of essential infrastructure—water, electricity, and staffing—at the four-room structure constructed by the provincial government at the Korala border point on the Nepali side. This facility, meant to promote bilateral trade with China, remains underutilized, especially when compared to the well-developed infrastructure on the Chinese side of the border.

Stakeholders also emphasized the urgent need to develop integrated facilities at the Korala border to support immigration, customs, quarantine, and other regulatory services. This is particularly important for managing the regulated entry of foreign nationals into Upper Mustang, a restricted region that currently requires a minimum entry fee of USD 500 per person.

During both discussions, Consul General Laxmi Prasad Niraula assured participants that their concerns would be conveyed to higher authorities and pledged to make efforts toward resolving the infrastructure and policy gaps.

As part of his efforts, Niraula also held discussions with senior officials from customs, immigration, and port management offices in Drongpa, Xizang (Tibet), China. During the bilateral engagement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate and operationalize the Korala border point effectively, enhancing cross-border trade and regional cooperation.