Traders shift to Rasuwagadhi as landslide severs road to Tatopani

RASUWA, Aug 10:

Nepal´s trade with China through the Rasuwagadhi customs point has increased after landslide in Jure blocked Araniko Highway -- the popular route for Nepal-China trade.

Rasuwagadhi is not regarded as a major customs point despite China´s efforts to develop it as a trilateral trading point for Nepal, China and India. But the customs point is being used as alternative route to import Chinese goods to Nepal after the highway was blocked.

"Trading of goods through the Rasuwagadhi customs points has increased due to disturbance in the popular Tatopani route," Man Bahadur Tamang, president of China-Keirung Trade Association, told Republica.

Readymade garment (RMG) and consumer electronics are Nepal´s major imports through the Rasuwagadhi customs point, according to traders.

Traders are also using the same route to export goods to China. Most of the traders are importing products targeting the upcoming Dashain festival. “
"Hotels in Syafrubesi are operating to full capacity as traders involved in export and import of goods to and from China have come here in large numbers," Temba Tshiring , a local hotelier, told Republica.

Exporters have informed their Chinese customers about the blockade in Tatopani route and that they would deliver goods through Rasuwagadhi route as soon as possible, according to Suraj Shrestha, a local trader.

Products like blankets, electronic items, footwear, RMGs and apple used to be exported through Rasuwagadhi customs point in the past. Similarly, biscuit, noodles, flour and chilly are the major products exported through the customs point.

Source: Republica