Nepal-China trade : Traders seek favourable treatment of Nepali goods

KATHMANDU, MAR 26 -

Traders involved in Nepal-China business have stressed on the need for more favourable treatment by China to enable Nepali goods to have presence in the Chinese market.

Given the country facing a huge trade deficit with China, the businessmen urged for additional facilities from the Chinese side in quarantine, ease in exporting goods to which China has provided duty free access and more facilities for traders in bordering Nepali districts.

Nepal-China Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) President Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said Nepal has not been able to take benefits of the duty free access provided by China on 4,000 products.

“That’s why the list should be made more practical and Nepali traders should be made aware about the facility,” he said at the 12th annual general meeting of NCCCI.

Given the complicated procedures in quarantine check posts of China affecting exports of Nepali agricultural goods, Shrestha urged for a mechanism under which the Nepal government issues quarantine certificates and Chinese authorities recognises the certification.

Shrestha added that the Chinese side providing duty free access to goods worth RMB 8,000 for traders of bordering Nepali districts was not enough to boost Nepal’s exports.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan said Nepal has failed to take benefit of the Chinese market despite huge potential.

Source: Kantipur