The export of boulders, stone aggregates and minerals from the Amochhu area in Phuentshogling is expected to increase. The exporters now have a designated boulder export containment zone that will facilitate the trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And the facility was inaugurated yesterday.
The containment zone will cater to all the exporters of boulders, stone aggregates and minerals. Despite resuming the export of the materials since mid-September, without a containment facility, the business could not pick up as expected. The trade was interrupted since the border closure in March.
Dorji Tshering, the President of the Bhutan Exporters Association said, “His Majesty granted us eight acres of land to construct the containment zone here.”
“Once the exporters bring in their materials here, they will not have to visit other places for getting the clearances. We hope the service will enhance the export,” he added.
To mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission, the area has a closed-circuit television or CCTV surveillance system, separate holding areas, toilet and canteen for foreign drivers.
The President of the Bhutan Exporters Association said, “we have a weighbridge here. We also have an office for the customs and forest officials, and the clearing agents. The area has a capacity to house 250-300 vehicles and we spent Nu 16.5 M to develop it.”
Since the export resumed in September, boulders, stone aggregates and minerals worth over USD 10 M were exported to Bangladesh. Similarly, the export to India accounted for worth more than Nu 48 M.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
