KATHMANDU: Nepal and Indian customs officials through a video conference discussed ways to facilitate the supply of essentials as both countries have enforced a lockdown to combat COVID-19.

During the discussions, Director General of Department of Customs Suman Dahal requested Indian officials to facilitate the import of goods from India.

“Indian officials expressed happiness over remedies in place for health security and said that transportation of goods to Nepal will be their first priority,” said Dahal.

Nepali officials have requested Indian officials to prioritize clearance of goods such as masks, sanitizers and ventilators.

Dahal said that Indian officials vowed that they will clear ways to send essentials goods including medicines to Nepal.

The video conference was attended by Ranjit Kumar, Commissioner Customs Patna, Suman Dahal, Director General of Department of Customs, Nepal, Prabhjeet Singh Gulati First Secretary (Eco) in Nepal and Dr. Kotraswamy M Consul (ECC) at Birgunj.

Nepal imports good from Bihar through two major entry points– Birgunj and Biratnagar.

The department is preparing to hold similar discussions with officials from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.