Nepal Reopens 14 Traditional Trade Points with China Including Kimathangka

Fourteen traditional border trade points with China, including Kimathangka in Sankhuwasabha, have resumed operations today. These checkpoints had been closed since 2076 BS due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a joint event held in Chhentang, China, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Vice President of the Tibet Autonomous Region Silang Nima announced the reopening. Speaking at Tumlingtar Airport in Sankhuwasabha, DPM Shrestha confirmed the official resumption of these traditional border transit points, emphasizing that seven checkpoints have reopened today, with the remaining seven to follow soon.

The reopening follows continuous diplomatic efforts by the Nepalese government. DPM Shrestha highlighted that the agreement to reopen these trade points was reached during his official visit to China last March. He was accompanied by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, joint secretaries from the Ministries of Home and Foreign Affairs, the Chief District Officer, and the district's security agency chief.

The reopening of Kimathangka has been particularly well-received by the locals of Bhotkhola, who previously relied on the trade point for importing food from nearby Chinese markets. The customs office at Kimathangka was established in 2035 BS but was relocated to Khandbari in 2057 BS due to the decade-long armed conflict in the country. Kimathangka is situated 162 km from the district headquarters in Khandbari.