Kathmandu, Sept. 28
The President of the
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra
Prasad Dhakal, has suggested that the Korala border post could be utilised for
trade not only between Nepal, China, and India but also for facilitating
regional commerce within South Asia.
While visiting the
Nepal-China border pillar number 24 in Choser, Upper Mustang's Lomanthang Rural
Municipality, on Sunday, he said that in order to operate the border post
commercially, Nepal needs to develop infrastructure and manage human resources
on its side of the customs area.
According to a
statement issued by the FNCCI, he emphasised that Korala, as the shortest route
connecting China and India, could play a significant role in promoting economic
activities, tourism, and religious tourism. Dhakal pointed out that, given the
interest and activity from China, Nepal should take full advantage of the
opportunity and ensure efficient use of the border.
The Korala border is
the shortest route (435 kilometres) connecting India and China.
"The recent
bustle seen at Korala has confirmed its potential for commercial operations.
Now, there should be no delay in developing the necessary infrastructure to
make operations smoother," said Dhakal.
He suggested that if
it is not feasible to develop government offices, settlements, and other
infrastructures near the Korola border post, the government could consider
establishing these facilities in Nechung, a lower area. This would make it
easier to operate the customs post and provide essential services such as
electricity, water, and internet.
Around 700,000
domestic and international tourists visited Mustang last year, emphasizing the
region's potential for religious tourism. The district is also home to
significant religious sites like Muktinath and Damodarkund.
Korala is
particularly beneficial for religious tourism as it offers the easiest and most
affordable route for pilgrims from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities to
visit the sacred sites of Kailash and Mansarovar.
According to Dhakal,
to promote tourism in Mustang, the current fee of USD 500 charged to foreign
tourists for entering Upper Mustang is unrealistic so it should be reviewed
immediately.
President Dhakal
reaffirmed the FNCCI's commitment to completing the Kaligandaki Corridor
project quickly and ensuring that the Korola border post operates smoothly and
sustainably. He also expressed the private sector's readiness to contribute to
the necessary efforts to make these initiatives successful, emphasising the
need for cooperation with the government and relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, our correspondent
from Muktinath reported that Dhakal expressed his enthusiasm after learning
that the Mustang Customs Office in Nechung had collected over Rs. 1.37 billion
in revenue from imports of electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and other
goods since the end of August. He stated, "Korala can be used to expand
trade across South Asia, and this border will also help reduce Nepal's trade
deficit."
Amrit Bhatt,
President of the Gandaki Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned
that if the government prioritises infrastructure development, with China also
upgrading its customs facilities, the Korala border could turn Gandaki Province
into a hub for economic activities.
During a discussion
with local entrepreneurs and businesspeople from Jomsom, the FNCCI President
stressed the need to end the tradition of looking for alternative routes only
when issues arise at other border posts connected to China. This practice, he noted,
is counterproductive, especially when Korala offers a more direct and reliable
route.
Raju Prasad Lalchan,
President of the Mustang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested that
improving and operating the road connecting Korala via Jomsom and Beni, a
stretch of 186 kilometres, would ease the transportation of goods. He added
that with the road passing through the flood-prone areas of neighbouring Myagdi
district, a permanent solution is needed for the infrastructure to be
effective.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 September 2025.
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