Custom evaluation system to change
KATHMANDU, MAR 26:
The government will adopt the bill-based custom evaluation system from April 14.
Likewise, it will also reduce customs duty according to global trade regime standards. The private sector has hailed the government decision.
“We are pleased to know that the government is planning to adopt a bill-based custom evaluation system and will reduce custom rates according to the World Trade Organisation standards,” said president of Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Rajesh Kazi Shrestha addressing the 12th annual general meeting of the chamber.
“There is a need for bill-based custom evaluation system to make the custom procedures of international trade transparent,” he said, adding that Nepal had a trade deficit of more than Rs 62 billion — in fiscal year 2010-11 — with China.
During the fiscal year, total exports of Nepal was worth Rs 1.78 billion whereas its imports stood at Rs 64.66 billion. Shrestha said that though China has allowed duty free access to about 4,810 commodities, traders have been unable to take benefit of the facility.
During the programme, Shrestha also focused on the need of a quarantine certification system from Nepal on the basis of mutual understanding between the two countries. He also highlighted on developing competitive airfares to attract a quality number of Chinese tourists to Nepal.
In 2011, a total of 75,631 Chinese tourists visited Nepal which is an increment of 63.14 per cent as compared to 2010. However, the number is unsatisfactory as annually more than 50 million Chinese tourists visit foreign countries.
He also informed about the construction of Chinese rail tracks from Lhasa to Shigatse which will help boost trade relations between Nepal and China. “The Chinese embassy in Nepal is willing and ready to work with the chamber and push forward the development of our economic relations,” said Chinese ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan.
“The embassy will provide the chamber with more opportunities to attend Chinese seminars and trade fairs and will positively consider suggestions made by the chamber,” he added.
According to the official Chinese statistics for the year 2011, the total volume of trade between Nepal and China stood at $1.2 billion, which is an increment of 61 per cent but Nepal’s exports to China stood at only $14 million which is an increment of 21 per cent.
“The Chinese government has given Nepal duty free treatment for 4,810 commodities and Nepal should fully utilise the facility,” Houlan said, adding that Nepali exportable products –– copper, herbs, carpets, pashmina, wet–blue skins, wooden articles –– are popular in China. “These export should be increased.”
“The Chinese government is also providing assistance and technology for the construction of a dry port in Tatopani which will help ease the heavy traffic,” the ambassador said.
Entrepreneurs bag awards
The 23rd National Industrial Exhibition and Excellent Micro, Cottage and Small entrepreneurs competition concluded on Sunday. Organised by Cottage and Small Scale Industry committee for product promotion and buyer seller direct meeting, the expo awarded 13 different entrepreneurs during the closing ceremony. Suresh Kumar Kushwaha bagged awa-rd for Pashmina and Woolen products, Ram Bahadur BK for Metal crafts, Laxmi Kumari Rai for bamboo products, Pathak Shah for leather products, Sanjay Shakya for wooden crafts, Hari Gopal Toyna for agricultural products, Nar Bahadur Shahi for woolen carpet, Nanda Kumar Tamang for handmade Paper, Ramkrishna Chaulagai for food products, Dilli Kulung Rai for natural fibre, Madhukar KC for technology group, Sitaram Gosai for miscellenous products, Tulasi Magar as micro entreprenuer and Ranjana Rai as women enterpreneur received the excellent Cottage and Small Scale Enteprenuers Award. The expo had 325 participants and 210 stalls.
Source: THT
