Nepal

Tatopani customs point to reopen today after three week closure

One of the two major trade routes was closed again on October 6 after coming into operation for only two days

KathmanduPati October 28, 2020

File photo

KATHMANDU – The Tatopani Customs Point at the Nepal-China border is reopening from today after three weeks of closure of the transit point. Earlier on October 6, China had decided to close the customs point when three Nepali workers sent to China to load goods tested positive for coronavirus.

The customs point had come into operation for two days after being closed for three months due to obstruction of the road following heavy rainfall and landslides. The trade point had resumed operation after Nepal and China agreed to take necessary precautions to curb the spread of the virus. However, the custom point was shut after Nepali loaders were found to be infected with Covid-19.

Tatopani Customs officials say that the transit point is being reopened today after Chinese officials informed them that they would deliver goods at the Nepali customs yard.

While the Tatopani Customs Point is one of the two trade points between Nepal and China, it has not begun fully functioning after the earthquake in 2015. The customs point was opened only after four and a half years following the earthquake.

Another trade route between Nepal and China, the Rasuwagadhi customs point, had been opened in the first week of July after being closed for five months due to Covid-19.