Kathmandu, August 14

Nepal’s second-largest trading partner, China has closed two border points with Nepal, unannounced. The cause has been likened to the growing number of Covid-19 infections in Nepal.

The Chinese side has not furnished any official information about the closure of the border points to Nepal government.

Head of Tatopani Customs Office Narad Gautam said China has sealed the border and stopped vehicles since Wednesday.

China-Nepal trade has been suffering since the onset of Covid-19, with frequent border closures. Prior to the Covid-19 crisis, some 200 to 250 trucks would enter Nepal daily, but in recent times barely 25-30 vehicles are entering Nepal from this point. Traders are worried the border closure, if prolonged could affect their festival sales.