KATHMANDU: After sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of Nepal, several border crossings with trade points to China, including the Kimathangka transit in Sankhuwasabha, resumed operations starting from Saturday. A formal ceremony marking the reopening of these traditional border trade points between Nepal and China was held in Chhentang, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. Present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Vice President of TAR of the People's Republic of China, Shilang Nima.

During the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, expressed warm congratulations on the reopening of seven traditional border trade points between the two countries. He highlighted the significant impact this move would have on enhancing cross-border trade, improving local livelihoods, and enhancing connectivity. Ambassador Song also mentioned that the remaining seven trade points would be opened as weather conditions permit.

These border crossings had been closed by the Chinese government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are now reopening following four years of negotiations, dialogues, and agreements between the high-level political leadership of Nepal and China. A total of 14 border trade points in the northern region, including Kimathangka, had remained closed for the past four years.

Last April, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha's official visit to the People's Republic of China resulted in an agreement to gradually reopen all trade points along the Nepal-China border. Several trade points, including Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Jhangmu, Yari-Puran, and Nechung-Lichi (Korala), have already commenced operations. Additionally, the Tiptala border crossing in Taplejung resumed operations on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha, accompanied by Vice President of China's TAR, Silang Nima, participated in the opening ceremony of the reoperation of all 14 trade points along the Nepal-China border, including Kimathangka. A delegation comprising officials from various government ministries and security agencies visited Kimathangka to mark the occasion and announce the resumption of operations at the border crossings.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese side has agreed to open seven different border crossings from Saturday, with plans for gradual openings of other border crossings in Dolpa, Mustang, Darchula, Dolakha, Gorkha, Taplejung, and Sankhuwasabha districts.