KATHMANDU, Oct. 14 -- Nepalese trade community have expressed high hopes from the re-opening of China-Nepal border ports, that were closed due to the April 25 massive earthquake.

As a major border port in southwestern China's Tibet Autonomous region at Jilung (Kerung) will be operating from Thursday, the border trade entrepreneurs are hopeful that the import of Chinese goods would help them revive their loss.

Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, chairman of Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Xinhua, "Opening of Kerung border from tomorrow has brought some sense of relief. It will ease the import of essential goods boosting our confidence in trade."

More than 400 loaded trucks have been stranded in Tatopani port during the past six months owing to the obstruction in the highway due to quake-triggered landslides. It is the largest port linking the two countries.

Shrestha, who is also the former Assistant Minister for Commerce and Supplies, suggests opening more China-Nepal border ports.

"More border ports in mountainous areas, more will be the trade volume and growth," Shrestha told Xinhua.

There are only two border ports Tatopani and Kerung operating trade between the two countries.

"Opening of Kerung port means we can immediately start the process for importing new goods. However it will take 10 to 12 days for goods arrival via road. It will help us to revive our business and recover huge loss," Bishnu Bahadur Khatri, president of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, told Xinhua.

More than 1,500 entrepreneurs are dependent upon China-Nepal border trade. Khatri said, "We are expecting for the immediate opening of Tatopani port since loaded trucks with readymade items, garments, shoes and electronic goods have been stranded there."

It has been estimated that the Tatopani border port, some 130 km from Nepal's capital will be in operation from November 5.