Nepal\'s trade gap has widened to reach Rs 46.11bn despite the increasing exports-especially to India-Central Bank statistics show. According to the Bank\'s 10-month economic update. Nepal exported goods worth Rs 41.74 bn billion, up from Rs 29.31bn during the comparable period last year. The export to India was valued at Rsl7.80b. Total import is also up reaching Rs 87.85bn, up from about 70.26bn during the comparable period a year ago. In mid-May the trade deficit stood at Rs 46.11bn.

Commodity-wise, export of woollen carpets have more or less remained at last year\'s level (Rs 8.17bn),, while that of readymade garments has increased by 48.6% top reach 1 l.73bn-up from Rs 7.89bn during the same period last year.Other traditional exports to countries other than India have slumped: pulses exports dipped by 93%, tanned skin by 53% and Niger seed by 84%.