Open border posing major trade challenges: Industry Minister Bhandari
The minister emphasized the need to modernize trade by making businesses more technology-friendly.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said that Nepal’s open border has created significant challenges in the country’s import and export system, resulting in large revenue losses due to unauthorized cross-border trade.
Speaking at the 31st Cargo Day event held in Kathmandu today, Minister Bhandari highlighted that illegal exports through the open border are costing the government billions in revenue. “The government is serious about the increasing challenges brought by the open border,” he said.
The minister emphasized the need to modernize trade by making businesses more technology-friendly.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing and managing trade relations with neighboring countries.
“We are working towards channeling trade through legal customs points rather than allowing illegal border trade. The government has adopted policies focused on trade facilitation,” he stated.
Minister Bhandari also informed that the government has already tabled a proposal in Parliament to amend outdated trade laws to align with current needs.
