FNCCI urges Chinese envoy to facilitate Tatopani border operation

Kathmandu, Sept. 30

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha met with the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming and discussed the diplomatic and technical facilitation required to operationalise the Tatopani customs border point.

During the meeting, Shrestha urged the Ambassador to assist in immediately reopening the Tatopani border crossing which is necessary to mitigate the supply chain disruptions and ensuring steady flows of goods for businesses and consumers, the FNCCI informed.  

He emphasised that sustained cross-border coordination is vital to maintain trade flows during crises and bolster private-sector confidence. He informed the ambassador that disruptions along key northern trade arteries, namely the Rasuwagadhi and Korala border points, have intensified strain on Nepal-China supply chains ahead of the peak festive shopping season.

In response, Ambassador Zhang noted that joint field inspections by Nepali and Chinese officials are underway to reinstate trade routes as swiftly as possible.

He added that China has deployed rapid-response units to repair roads and critical infrastructure, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to normalise daily life and transit.

"Embassy of China in Kathmandu responded constructively regarding the expedited reopening of the Tatopani customs post to alleviate trade bottlenecks caused by flood damage along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung corridor," read a statement by the FNCCI.

Severe flooding along the Bhotekoshi River compromised the bridge along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route, the local customs office, the Inland Container Depot (ICD), and approximately 45 kilometres of the 145-kilometre highway connecting Kathmandu to the Chinese border.

Expressing appreciation for China’s support and solidarity during this critical period, Shrestha underscored the need for more effective bilateral cooperation to tackle trade and investment hurdles.

Shrestha and Ambassador Zhang also discussed convening a joint business forum featuring the Nepali and Chinese private sectors to chart long-term strategies for trade resilience, economic recovery and commercial expansion.

Speaking at the meeting, Senior Vice President Sur Krishna Vaidya and Director General Dr. Gopal Prasad Tiwari reiterated the imperative of sustained partnership across bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic engagement between Nepal and China.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 October 2026.