Nepal-China trade talks begin

KATHMANDU: Nepal-China trade talks have been held here today between the officials of both the countries on how to reduce the trade deficit with China.

In the join secretary level talks, Nepal drew the attention of the Chinese side on the problems faced by Nepalese entrepreneurs in the border area, risk for lack of banking facilities in Tatopani entry point, among others.

Nepal requested the Chinese officials to provide facility of transportation in trucks by ending the arrangement to carry loads to Khasa of Tibet by porters after crossing the Tatopani customs.

At the talks held at the Ministry of Commerce, the 11-member Chinese team led by Director General of the Department of Commerce of China´s autonomous region of Tibet Bianba assured to present the problems raised by Nepali officials before the central and regional government of China.

Bianba suggested that efforts should be made from Nepal to remove the barrier in trade expansion like certificate of origin of Nepali goods.

Although China has given zero tariff facility for 8,787 items, no trade deficit has come down. Nepal has been exporting 366 Nepali products including noodles and agro products.

Nepalese team is led by Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, Jivraj Koirala and officers of Customs and Commerce Departments, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministry are participating.