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Tatopani revenue hit as import dips
CHAUTARA, JUL 17 -
Tatopani Customs Office, one of the major trade points between Nepal and China, failed to collect the targeted revenue of Rs. 2.45 billion with collection amounting to just Rs. 2.18 billion last fiscal year, thanks to the decline in import via the route.
The customs office said the target was short by Rs. 270 million as import had declined in the last six months of last year.
Bhanu Neupane, a customs officer, said the collection was a record low as the office had collected 60 percent more revenue than what had been targeted in the previous fiscal year.
Chief customs officer Chudamani Devkota said traders were importing only 10 to 15 vehicles of goods every day through the point. The same used to be 60 to 70 vehicles daily six months ago.
According to him, import of apples was high last year but it did not contribute to the revenue collection much as the office only takes a service charge on apple imports.
President of Sindhupalchowk Chamber of Commerce and Industries Rajendra Kumar Shrestha said the import had been declining due to the economic recession.
Traders have stopped importing goods such as colour televisions, DVD players, radio/recorders, apparel, furniture, toys, shoes, velvet and umbrella from this bordering point due to high customs duty.
Niraj Rai, a member of Nepal Himalayan Overseas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said traders are not attracted to this bordering point due to hefty transportation costs, insecurity and the ever increasing “unhealthy competition”, among other things.
Posted on: 2010-07-18 08:25
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