MUSTANG: The Mustang Customs Office at the Nepal-China northern Korala border has collected revenue worth Rs 3.01 billion since the trade route officially came into operation on Bhadra 31.
According to the office, the total collection as of Tuesday was Rs 3.01 billion, generated through imports and exports conducted via the Korala checkpoint, which resumed full-scale operation as a commercial route last month.
Ramesh Khadka, Chief of the Mustang Customs Office in Nechung, said the customs office has cleared a total of 664 cargo containers through customs procedures so far. Of these, 657 containers carried goods imported from China, while seven containers with Nepali goods were exported to China through the same route.
Most of the imported goods include readymade garments, cosmetics, and electronic items targeted for the Dashain and Tihar festivals, the office said. On the other hand, Nepal has been exporting handicrafts and locally produced goods to China.
Khadka further informed that customs clearance for 1,498 electric vehicles imported from China through the Korala border has been completed, and the vehicles have been dispatched to their destinations.
The Department of Customs had opened the Korala border as an alternative trade route after the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints were disrupted. The department has now integrated the Mustang Customs Office into its online customs system to facilitate full-fledged trade operations.
Permission has also been granted for traders to open letters of credit (LCs) for transactions via the Korala border. However, officials say year-round trade remains a challenge due to the region’s extreme cold and high altitude.
“The Korala border lies at an altitude of 4,610 meters, where fuel in vehicles often freezes in winter, making it difficult to start engines. Sometimes, vehicles have to be pushed downhill to start,” Khadka said.
He said the need for improved road conditions and additional infrastructure at the Korala checkpoint to enable smooth operation throughout the year.
China had officially opened the border year-round for residents of Upper Mustang to purchase household goods in November 2023. At that time, the Chinese side had announced the opening of the checkpoint with much fanfare, allowing Nepali citizens from Upper Mustang to enter Chinese territory up to Liji upon showing a cross-border pass issued by the District Administration Office.
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