Kathmandu/New Delhi, April 12 (UNI) Customs officials from India and Nepal concluded talks in Kathmandu aimed at streamlining trade procedures.

The Indian delegation visited Nepal on April 10 to strengthen the bilateral trade and commercial ties, as well as smoothen issues such as addressing illegal trade and revenue leakage.

The key areas of discussion in the meeting on Friday included streamlining trade procedures, sharing data on exports, implementing electronic cargo tracking, recognising electronic certificates of origin, border security, and simplifying India's quality certification process for Nepali exports, Nepal News reported.

As per an agreement arrived at in the two-day meeting, New Delhi will recognise the certificate of origin issued by Kathmandu, with the two sides jointly agreeing on making the customs process paperless and reducing logistics costs. The two countries will cooperate with each other to curb illegal trade, according to Nepal’s Director General at Customs Department, Mahesh Bhattarai.

Apart from that, India and Nepal will share import-export data, address revenue leakages, and construct necessary border infrastructure to prevent illegal entry of individuals.

Under terms of the agreement, the electronic cargo tracking system enforced in railways for trade from third countries to Nepal via India would be expanded to roadway (truck consignment) and quarantine facility on the Nepal-India border would also be increased.

The Integrated Check Post (ICP) being constructed in Bhairahawa and Chandani Dodhara would be completed soon. It was also agreed in the meeting that rail cargo would be operated up to Biratnagar, Nepal.





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