November 22: Imports and exports of commodities have grown gradually in Nepal post lockdown and restrictions that were imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. With the increase in foreign trade, Birgunj Customs has met the revenue target set for October/November of the current fiscal year 2020/21.

Based on the volume of imports and exports, the Birgunj customs at the main checkpoint had set a target of raising revenue of Rs 10 billion for the month of November. The revenue collection during the review period was Rs 13.89 billion. This amount is 32 percent more than the target, informed customs officer at Birgunj Customs Point, Ramesh Sukmani.

Revenue increased in November due to improvement in the import of petroleum products and vehicles, Sukmani informed. ‘Imports of petroleum products and automobiles are negative in comparison to the review period of the previous year, but there has been some improvement since October.

Imports of readymade garments, soybean oil, among  other commodities also have increased, Sukmani informed.

Due to the lockdown and restrictions, only 150 vehicles used to enter the country daily through this customs point. Now, this number has grown gradually to 700. According to the customs official, the import and export from Birgunj have returned to normal.

Even at the dry port of BIrgunj, around 300 containers leave the country daily.