Crucial India-Nepal Conference Explores Solutions to Address Illegal Trade
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New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) convened to discuss trade transit and strategies to counter unauthorised trade in Kathmandu, reinforcing the economic and commercial connections between the two nations.
India remains the primary trade and investment ally for Nepal, playing a crucial role in both Nepali imports and exports.
The IGC meeting held on January 10-11 served as a bilateral framework for enhancing trade and investment relations, undertaking an extensive examination of the entire spectrum of bilateral trade and economic interactions, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“Both parties assessed mutual market access challenges, intellectual property rights (IPR), and duty-related matters. The agenda also covered discussions regarding the review of the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade, suggested revisions to current agreements, the alignment of standards, and the coordinated development of trade infrastructure, including the electrification of the Raxaul-Birgunj railway line,” the ministry stated.
The Indian delegation confirmed acceptance of Nepal's request for the provision of 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat, while the Nepali team expressed gratitude to India for its ongoing support in ensuring the supply of essential goods to Nepal.
The Indian representatives agreed that according to the existing regulations from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a maximum axle weight of 18.5 tonnes for two-axle vehicles and 28 tonnes for three-axle vehicles would apply to Nepali vehicles concerning cargo-in-transit on the Kakarbhitta (Nepal)-Banglabandha (Bangladesh) route via Phulbari (India).
“Responding to requests from the Nepali side, the Indian representatives noted that Sal Seeds and Chayote have been incorporated into India's Plant Quarantine Order. The request to include Jatamasi - Root extract; Sugandhkokila berry extracts; Sugandhwal Rhizome extract; and Timur berry extracts in the list of Processed Items (Plant Products) has also been approved,” the ministry reported.
The Indian delegation addressed issues related to milk exports to Nepal, and the Nepali side agreed to consider the Indian request positively for milk products that are not sufficiently produced in Nepal, such as whey and cheese.
The meeting endorsed bilateral efforts aimed at enhancing seamless cross-border connectivity between India and Nepal, including the construction of new Integrated Check Posts and railway connections.
