10 August 2024, Kathmandu

Nepal’s Industry, Commerce, and Supply Minister Damodar Bhandari inspected the Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Port in Haldia, India, on Saturday.

Nepal Minister Inspects Haldia

The primary objective of the visit was to explore ways to streamline the transit trade process for Nepal and reduce associated costs.

Accompanied by Joint Secretary Baburam Adhikari from the Ministry of Commerce and officials from the Consulate General in Calcutta, Minister Bhandari held discussions with port authorities to identify bottlenecks in the trade process. He emphasized the need for a result-oriented approach from the Consulate General and Godown Company Limited in addressing the concerns of Nepali importers and exporters.

Minister Bhandari also scrutinized the utilization of land leased by the Nepal Transport and Godown Company Limited within the Haldia Port Interior Zone. He directed the company to provide a detailed justification for the long-term lease and outlined necessary actions for optimal land usage.

About Haldia Port

Haldia Port, a strategic gateway to the Bay of Bengal, is emerging as a crucial trade hub for Nepal. Situated at the confluence of the Haldi and Hooghly rivers, this Indian port offers efficient connectivity to the vast inland waterway network.

Handling a diverse range of cargo, from bulk commodities to containers, Haldia Port is a cornerstone of eastern India’s economic growth. Its strategic location makes it a natural choice for Nepal, a landlocked nation heavily reliant on trade routes through India.

Recognizing the port’s potential, Nepal’s Industry Minister recently visited Haldia to explore ways to enhance trade facilitation between the two countries. While challenges like siltation and navigation complexities persist, the port’s importance as a trade gateway cannot be overstated.

As Nepal seeks to expand its trade horizons, strengthening its ties with Haldia Port is essential. By addressing infrastructural bottlenecks and streamlining customs procedures, both countries can reap the benefits of improved trade relations.

Nepal Minister Inspects Haldia