Govt forms ‘Quick Response Team’ to facilitate supply of essential commodities

Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel (in middle) participating during the virtual meeting with the officials of Department of Customs. Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Finance

Kathmandu: The customs department has deployed a ‘Quick Response Team’ to facilitate the supply of essential items including health items during the prohibitory order. Director General of the Department of Customs, Yamlal Bhusal, informed that the department has formed a ‘Quick Response Team’ to facilitate the supply of essential items.

He made the remarks at a virtual discussion program on Monday on the role played by the customs administration in the Corona epidemic. In today’s meeting with Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel, instructions have been given to expedite the customs clearance of corona prevention and treatment related items.

Minister Poudal directed the government of Nepal, provinces, local governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector to make the supply of liquid oxygen, oxygen cylinders, oxygen plant and its parts imported by passing customs clearance without any hassle easier.

Finance Minister Poudel also directed to provide daily information including the results and prices of the items imported for the treatment of Covid-19.

Finance Secretary Shishir Kumar Dhungana directed to issue and implement a brief procedure for the customs clearance of the items related to the prevention, control, and treatment of COVID-19. Revenue Secretary Ram Sharan Pudasaini directed to work effectively round the clock in coordination with the customs offices of the neighboring countries for speedy inspection.