India offers concessions to Nepal

Kathmandu: Conceding a long-standing Nepali demand, India has allowed the land-locked Himalayan nation to import bulk cargo from third countries through two more customs points as against the present single-point only.
Henceforth, Nepali bulk imports from third countries can enter via Jogbani-Biratnagar and Nautanwa-Bhairahawa customs points apart from Raxaul-Birgunj from where they were being ferried so far.
This was among the several concessions afforded to Nepal by India during the two-day commerce secretary-level talks that concluded here late Sunday. These are expected to further facilitate trade and transit between the two countries, officials here Monday said.
India also agreed to allow plying from Indian ports to Nepal of vehicles imported from third countries. Till now, Nepali traders had to bring such imports only using containers or wagons.
This provision only permits vehicles imported via third countries at Haldia port in Kolkata, according to the minutes of the meeting. A Letter of Exchange will be signed in this respect.
The meeting also allowed Nepal to import agriculture and livestock-related products from India frequently.
Indian Commerce Secretary S.S. Rao also invited his Nepali counterpart Madhav Regmi to visit India to hold further discussions.  (IANS)