November 10: Nepal’s foreign trade, which was badly affected by coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown imposed by the government, is returning back to normalcy. The volume of import and export of goods through Birgunj Customs – the main transit point of the country – have started returning to pre-lockdown condition, according to the customs officials.

Nepal’s foreign trade slumped to a great extent due to the lockdown imposed on March 24 till July 20. It was further worsened by the two-month long prohibitory order issued after the government lifted the lockdown.

Although the government had prioritized import and export of goods and transportation as essential services, this sector couldn’t remain unaffected by the impacts of lockdown.

Foreign trade reduced greatly due to the decline in market, demand and production. The country’s foreign trade stated returning back to previous situation after the prohibitory orders were lifted on September 17.

Trade has increased gradually since then, according to customs officials at Birgunj Customs Office.

The volume of import from this customs point clearly indicates that the trade has improved since the start of the second quarter of current fiscal year.

Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee (NITDC), the operator of the Birgunj-based Integrated Check Post (ICP), informed that around 500 to 700 cargo vehicles have been entering Nepal through the check point on a daily basis.

Chief of NITDC Kamal Gyawali said that the number of vehicles entering Nepal through the check point is almost similar to those during the normal days. He said that only around 100 to 150 cargo vehicles used to enter Nepal during the lockdown period.

The ICP is facing parking problem due to the increase in number of vehicles entering the country. The ICP has a parking lot with capacity to accommodate 250 to 300 vehicles. Additional vehicles are forced to park on roadside.

Gyawali said that they will prepare an additional parking lot within one and a half months. He added that they have already added a new billing counter considering the rise in flow of vehicles.

Customs Officer Jagdish Purbe says that the number of vehicles entering Nepal through the Birgunj Dry Port has also increased.

“Customs clearance of vehicles from the dry port has returned to normal situation in the last few days,” said Purbe, adding, “Around 300 to 350 containers are cleared by the dry port every day.”

During the lockdown period, only around 100 containers used to arrive at the dry port every day.

“Goods intended for the festive season have started arriving after the government lifted prohibitory order. It is clearly evident at the customs point,” said Rajesh Kyal, a local businessman.