Address trade disruption ahead of major festivals

Resuming trade operations through Tatopani would greatly help traders facing heavy financial losses and consumers already weighed down by inflation.

Nepal’s major festivals—Dashain, Tihar and Chhath—are approaching. This is when massive quantities of goods are imported from the country’s northern neighbour, China, to supply the festive market. However, things are different this year. Trade through the Rasuwagadhi border has come to a complete halt following last month’s devastating Bhotekoshi floods. China has closed the Tatopani border—the nearest and most convenient route from Kathmandu—for an indefinite period from August 29, citing landslide risks on the Nepali side of the border. Additionally, the under-resourced Korala border point in upper Mustang cannot handle the pressure of the season.