SINDHULI: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Lekharaj Bhatta, said the government was doing all necessary works to streamline and upscale the check posts with our neighboring countries including those six with China.

Inaugurating the Marin Festival organized by Sindhuli Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Marin rural municipality here Tuesday, Minister Bhatta shared that six check posts with China including the one at Tatopani and Keyrung would be upgraded so as to further bolster ties between Nepal and China.

Stating that a feasibility study was conducted on setting up an industrial area at Marind rural municipality, Bhatta assured that they would reach a logical conclusion soon.

Furthermore, Bhatta reminded that Marin, once a food basket, used to supply food items including rice to Kathmandu Valley but the situation did not remain the same given the fertile arable land being washed away by the Marin River here.

There was dismal production of food items in this region and more and more people opting for other profession than the agriculture. He also assured that local, State and federal governments were effortful to address the land erosion in Marin.

“There was a time when Nepal used to export rice but the situation has become such that Nepal lately imports rice worth Rs 35 billion annually from India,” said the Minister, adding, since Nepal is importing food items including staple as rice from foreign countries, it has led to increase in trade deficit.”

He was hopeful that the inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Biratnagar jointly by Prime Minister KP Oli Sharma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further facilitate export of goods from Nepal to India and other countries thereby aiding in reduction of trade deficit.