Traditional border trade points reopen

Following a four-year suspension, the reopening of the traditional border trade point between China and Nepal in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, over the weekend was a significant milestone in economic collaboration between the nations.

Sonam Nyima, deputy chairman of the autonomous region, and Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Nepal's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, announced its formal reopening at a ceremony in the town of Chentang, in Shigatse's Dinggye county, on Saturday.

The occasion was witnessed by government officials, leaders from both sides and over 300 border residents.

"We will steadfastly implement the Chinese government's friendly policies toward Nepal, continue to pursue an open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as border trade infrastructure construction, customs clearance capacity enhancement and project implementation to continuously create a bright future for China-Nepal relations," Sonam Nyima said.

Shrestha said that Nepal and Xizang have enormous potential for cooperation in trade and investment, Nepal looks forward to more Chinese investment and welcomes Chinese tourists to visit to appreciate the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

At the Chentang Traditional Border Trade Point, 110 Chinese merchants and 47 Nepalese merchants engaged in transactions encompassing more than 50 types of goods including daily necessities, construction materials, food and beverage, agricultural products and Nepalese handicrafts.

Other traditional trade points between China and Nepal in Shigatse — in Mayum, Drongba county; Tubarong, Saga county; Zonga, Gyirong county; Zhashigang, Nyalam county; Rongshar, Dingri county; and Ri'og, Dinggye county — also reopened the same day.

Several hosted reopening ceremonies with the participation of Nepalese and local government officials and border residents, underscoring a spirit of unity and cooperation.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional border trade between China and Nepal was temporarily suspended. The Xizang government introduced trial management measures for traditional trade points last month, with departments at all levels in the region cooperating to advance various tasks related to their reopening.