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Myagdi, Sept 18: Business leaders say the resumption of trade through Mustang’s Korala border point has opened new opportunities for entrepreneurs in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. With Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi crossings closed, Nepali traders have begun importing and exporting Chinese goods through Mustang and Myagdi to Kathmandu.

The Korala point, which had been open only for Upper Mustang residents since November 2023, is now operational for commercial trade after two years. Myagdi Chamber of Commerce chair Subin Shrestha said the Kali Gandaki corridor and Korala route are creating new prospects for trade in the Dhaulagiri region. Around 300 containers have already reached the border via Beni and Jomsom, with another 1,500 expected to arrive with Dashain goods, he said. Bringing goods through Korala is cheaper for traders in Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat and Kaski districts, he added.

Customs officer Ramesh Khadka said containers carrying goods purchased in China for Dashain were diverted to Korala after the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani routes were shut. At 4,700 meters above sea level, the Korala customs office now operates from a newly built provincial government building with power and internet facilities. According to Khadka, 151 electric vehicles have been imported from China through the point, while statues, textiles and bamboo stools have been exported from Nepal. Fifty-five Chinese containers carrying textiles for Dashain have already arrived, with more on the way.

Rasuwagadhi remains closed due to floods and landslides since early July, and Tatopani traffic has been halted for about 46 days due to road repairs in Kodari, Sindhupalchok. Industrialists and traders facing shortages of raw materials and finished goods ahead of the festival say the reopening of Korala has provided much-needed relief.

People’s News Monitoring Service