Nepal India customs agree to use Gaurigunj border for trade

By Our Correspondent Damak, July 20:  An agreement has been reached between the customs offices of Nepal and India to facilitate the use of Gaurigunj border point in Jhapa for business facilitation. 

The agreement was made following a joint survey of the officials of the customs offices in both the countries.

This decision was taken at the third meeting of detailed review of Nepal-India Trade Treaty and follow-up work of amendment to India-Nepal Transit Treaty held in Gaurigunj, Jhapa on Sunday. It is said that the meeting was held with the monitoring of the customs point. The issue of upgrading of Gaurigunj customs, which is a minor checkpoint, has been raised repeatedly.

It is mentioned in the decision signed by the customs representatives of the two countries after conducting a joint survey under the leadership of Indian Assistant Customs Commissioner Gyansingh Tigga and Chief of Mechi Customs Office, Kakadvitta, Keshavraj Oli. 

The decision is likely to help improve the customs office.

The decisions include full utilisation of the road and other infrastructure available from Fattepur in India to Gaurigunj in Nepal for trade and transportation. Both sides have agreed to start trade facilities from Fattepur to Gaurigunj.

From Nepali side, the agreement is also signed by Customs Officer Rajesh Kumar Dutta, Police Inspector from Gaurigunj Area Police Office, Jitesh Dahal, Police Inspector from Armed Police Force and others. 

Efforts have been put up for the last three years to set up a customs office in Fattepur, the Indian side of the border.

According to Oli, it is understood that the Indian Customs has taken the initiative as per the direction of the central government of India. The southern neighbour has shown interest in operating this project, he said. They are excited with the Postal Highway being built on the Nepali side, Oli said.

According to the customs sources, the work to find land to move the customs office at the border has started because the small customs office is at a distance of about 5 km from the border.