Kathmandu: Customs officials from Nepal and India have commenced discussions in Kathmandu aimed at simplifying trade processes and addressing issues such as illegal trade and revenue leakage between the two nations. The talks focus on advancing methods to ease trade, including the exchange of preliminary export information between customs offices prior to trade, and the implementation of an electronic cargo tracking system for goods transiting through India.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the discussions also cover enhancing the systems for quality and quarantine checks at border points to ensure proper testing of imported and exported goods. The agenda includes the recognition of electronically issued certificates of origin through Nepal’s national one-door system and the timely completion of integrated check points in Bhairahawa and Chandani-Dodhara. Additionally, the talks aim to facilitate the quality certification process by India for Nepali exports.
The negotiations are led by Director General of the Department of Customs, Mahesh Bhattarai, for Nepal, and Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, for India. The discussions are scheduled for April 10 and 11. Participating in the talks on behalf of Nepal are top officials from various ministries, including Finance, Foreign Affairs, Industry, Commerce and Supplies, as well as departments like Food Technology and Quality Control, and Livestock and Plant Quarantine.
The Indian delegation includes the Assistant Director General of the Revenue Intelligence Directorate’s Lucknow Regional Unit, the First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Nepal, and Chiefs of Customs Offices from Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow, among others.