Minister Bhandari visits Kolkata Port

Kathmandu, Aug 11: Damodar Bhandari, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, visited Kolkata Port in India today.     

During his visit, the Minister engaged in discussions with the Port Chair, Rathendra Raman, and senior officials about easing Nepal's trade transit procedures and reducing the costs.     

The discussions focused on several key areas, including enhancing trade facilities for landlocked countries, strengthening trade and transit processes, transshipment modalities, and customs procedures.     

In response, Port officials informed the Minister that a direct cargo flight is available from China to Haldia and Kolkata. They also said that only ten per cent of the total transport cost is attributed to port fees, with potential additional facilities for Nepal being considered, according to Ministry Joint Secretary Baburam Adhikari.     

The meeting was coordinated with the Consulate General of Nepal in Kolkata and the Nepal Transport and Warehousing Company Ltd.     

Following the discussions, the Minister instructed the Consulate General and the Warehousing Management Company to asses and address procedural challenges in trade between Nepal and third countries.(RSS)