HONG KONG, Dec 18: Resumption of trade through Tatopani checkpoint has become further uncertain as a Chinese team in its geological study report concluded that the reinstatement of customs office at Khasa has become impractical.
Knowledgeable sources said that the resumption of trade through Tatopani is likely only if the top level of the government of Nepal talked to its Chinese counterpart on the matter.
The Chinese side had initially become ready to resume trade through the checkpoint that was destroyed by the major earthquake of April and its aftershocks. However, it couldn't happen as the Nepali side reportedly didn't show willingness to open the blocked checkpoint.
The matter of resuming trade through Tatopani was underscored only after the government initiatives to import petrol and gas cylinders through Rasuwagadhi-Kerung checkpoint posed challenges due to treacherous road linking to China.
Following destruction of customs, immigration and other security checkpoints by the devastating earthquake in April, the Chinese side had informed that there were challenges in resuming trade through that route.
But, the Chinese side sent a team for a field study in Khasa around three months ago. The team comprising engineers from commerce and foreign ministries of China submitted a study report to the leadership in Beijing.
"The geological team of China in its field report has said the offices can't be reinstated in Khasa and nearby areas," an expert from the foreign ministry of China said. "Following the conclusion that the offices can't be restored there, officials at the customs and immigration have started discussions on alternative solution."
Officials at the Office of the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa and officials in Tibet have held frequent discussions on establishing customs in Lhasa, Shigatse or Nyalam.
Customs officials in Tibet have said that customs office is being set up in Nyalam, 30 kilometers north from Khasa, and they have unofficially assured the Nepali side of supply of goods from there immediately after the office gets ready.
"We from here at the office of the Consulate General have repeatedly urged the Chinese side to reopen the Khasa-Tatopani checkpoint. We have sent written notes four times. We have left no stone unturned in this connection," said Hari Basyal, the consulate general of Nepal in Lhasa. "The Chinese side has said that customs office is being set up in Nyalam and they will reach there once it is ready. But we have received no formal letter or answer so far."
As construction work is uncertain during the winter due to insufficient light, officials said, it can't be said when the office construction will complete. However, they believed that it can be expedited if Nepal's top officials directly talk to the higher authorities in Beijing.
Therefore, Nepali representatives in Lhasa and Beijing want high political-level visits from Nepal to lay the ground for supply of fuels through the Tatopani checkpoint.
The 50-year-old 943 kilometers Nepal-China highway connects Kathmandu to Tibet's Lhasa. It was the main road connection for Nepal-China trade until before the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung road was opened recently.
The government of Nepal has recently decided to spend Rs 14.5 billion provided by China in grant support to upgrade the Araniko Highway. Similarly, works to build dry port at Larcha is in final stage. However, the fate of this dry port is directly connected to the reinstatement of the Khasa customs.
Prof Ma Jiali, executive deputy director of China Reform Forum, who has been studying Nepal-China relation said that the Chinese government is not in a mood to spend more money for reinstatement of Khasa.
"I believe the Khasa check point can be brought into operation again but our priority is reinstatement of Kerung customs in a sustainable way," said the professor.
Officials said China may bring the Khasa customs into operation but one can't estimate when it can happen.
"As they say that Khasa can't be brought into operation in the previous condition, that may suggest that there is some geological problems. It may take at least one year to clear the debris and build new buildings there," said Basyal.
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