Kathmandu, Oct. 19 -- Frequent floods and landslides along the Tribhuvan Highway-a key trade route linking Kathmandu with domestic and international markets-have not only pushed up transportation costs but also raised insurance premiums for freight, exporters say.

"The disturbances on the highway during both rainy and winter seasons have increased freight costs, and as a result, insurance premiums are also rising, adding to overall trade expenses," said Rajendra Sangraula, president of the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association, at a workshop on Developing Competitiveness and Promoting Apparel Export jointly organised by the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) and the Garment Association Nepal (GAN) in Kathmandu o...