"We cannot fully redirect our trade with India to China immediately due to geographical difficulties," said Mahat, adding that the process is easier to say than implement it. He was addressing a press conference in Biratnagar on Sunday.When enquired about the government's lack of initiatives to begin importing essential goods from China, Mahat pointed out the damaged border points. "The earthquake caused huge damage to several border-points with China. We have not been able to bring them into operation at the moment," said Mahat.
He further clarified that it is impossible to reopen the border-points at Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi immediately. "It is meaningless to bring new border-point of Rasuwagadi into operation because we are still not able to reopen the old border-points with China. The new border-points may take years to come into operation," he said.
Mahat further claimed that the government is fully committed to ending the blockade imposed by India. "We have received information that all the closed border-points will soon be brought into operation. We are hopeful," he added.
He further dismissed claims made by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) that it is responsible for the blockade. "Blockades do not happen due to protests. No one gains from them. It is best to sit together for talks and find the solution," Mahat said.
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