November 28: Stakeholders shared that the problems related to the open border between Nepal and India are discussed more but the issue of capitalizing on it has often been ignored.

Since the open border like that of Nepal and India is rare in other countries, experts have suggested the neighbouring countries to capitalize on it for the prosperity of both the sides. So far, no concrete initiative has been taken in this regard.

Misuse of the open border has resulted in smuggling of goods, drug trafficking, illegal and fake currency trading, and human trafficking which have become a matter of concern for both the sides. India's concern about the possibility of terrorist activities against it through the open border with Nepal is not a new issue. Both countries have promised not to allow such activities against each other from their respective territories.

Ashok Kumar Temani, president of the Madhesh Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says that there has not been enough initiative to utilize the economic and social opportunities of the open border.

“Nepal and India share more than 1700 kilometers of open border. If it is used properly, the two-way economic and social life can be improved," Temani, who is also the chairman of the Nepal-India Socioeconomic Forum, told New Business Age.

He claimed that if the border is properly managed, it can boost the economy of the border area. He pointed out the need for efforts at the government level. 

Subodh Kumar Gupta, who promoted the concept of 'Happy Border' when he was the leader of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is now the Chairman of the Trade Committee under the Confederation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

He said that the economic and social life of both the sides can be improved by capitlising on the social and religious ties between Nepal and India.

“Only if the residents living in the border areas are happy and satisfied, the problems seen in the open border will be solved. To make people's lives prosperous and happy, there is a need for meaningful coordination between the private sector and intergovernmental bodies," said Gupta.

Traders say that since Birgunj is a commercial and industrial hub, solving the problems seen in Nepal-India trade should be the priority.

The private sector has also been complaining about smuggling of goods through the open border while the authorities have been harassing the local businessmen in the name of curbing such illegal activities.

Temani sees India's role as important in the development of industry and trade in Nepal. He said that even though Nepal-India trade relations are guided by trade agreements, there are problems from time to time.

He said that a solution should be found based on understanding.

Traders claim that solving the problems seen in trade will increase trade and since Nepal is one of the main markets for India's export trade, it will benefit India. Gupta thinks that India, which is making massive progress in agriculture, can support the development of Nepal's agricultural sector.

"India can provide technical support for improving Nepal's agricultural system," he said.

Devisahay Meena, the Indian Consul General in Birgunj, said that there is a need to further strengthen the economic and social relations between Nepal and India. In the program held in Birganj, Meena expressed India’s commitment to coordinate the best possible way for the overall development of the border area.