Chinese apples from Tibet to make it to Larcha of Nepal

KATHMANDU - Chinese apples loaded in Khasa of Tibet can now directly reach to Nepal's Larcha in Nepal-China border.

The new arrangements have been made following a request from the Tatopani Customs Office of Nepal with the Chinese authorities, reports said Monday.

"Both Nepalese and Chinese sides have agreed to allow Chinese apple carriers until Larcha in bordering Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal," said Nirmal Hari Adhikari, chief of Tatopani Customs Office, as quoted by Abhiyan daily.

"This agreement will be implemented within two weeks," Adhikari said, adding that the new arrangement will reduce transport costs significantly.

As of today, it costs 90,000 Nepalese rupees ($1,060) to transport goods from Friendship Bridge on Nepal-China border to Kathmandu, a distance of about 120 km. With the apple carriers directly coming to Larcha, this transport cost is expected to decrease to 50,000-60,000 Nepalese rupees ($590 to $705).

"Once the quarantine and inland container depot promised to be constructed by the Chinese side comes into effect, Nepal's export to China is also expected to boost up," said Adhikari.

"Nepal's Customs Office has been working hard to facilitate trade. But it is not enough and we are facing unnecessary difficulties in bilateral trade," said Keshab Bahadur Raimajhi, an export-import businessman.

"Apple carriers create traffic jam for other goods carrier. Therefore, it's a wise decision to allow them unto Larcha," he said.

Meanwhile, cross-border trade between the two countries will slow down for 10 days starting Feb 5 due to Losar festival in Tibet and that Chinese offices will remain closed during the period.