Seeking to boosts exports, Nepal will soon begin developing four economic zones along its borders with India and China, reported The Kathmandu Post. Through these economic zones the country expects to double the contribution of its manufacturing sector to annual GDP. 

Officials said the construction of the economic zones on its western part, along the Indian border, will help the industrialization of the areas. Large scale industries lagged behind in the western part of Nepal, they claimed.

Nepal plans to connect its border economic zones to India’s Mumbai port to diversify its export market. Currently, India is the largest import and export partner of Nepal. 

Preliminary work has started for the construction of economic zones at Dodhara-Chandani in Kanchanpur and Jogbani in Morang that will connect with the economic corridors in India, the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, and Supplies was quoted as saying The Kathmandu Post. 

On the Chinese front, the special economic zones will come up in Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha and Korala in Mustang. Officials said the discussions are underway with both the neighbors. The work on the same is expected to begin in 2021-22. 

"Once the cross-border economic zones are constructed, they will attract investment for large and medium scale factories from domestic and international investors," said Industry Secretary Chandra Kumar Ghimire. He also hoped that it will also help create tremendous jobs.