Moziyinda, 47, and his younger brother have been selling vegetables in Zham for eight sharp years.

“We come from Nepal to sell ginger, mango, onions, beans and fruit,” he said.

“My wife is still back in a Nepalese town, which is four hour car drive way. We are allowed to freely come and go by the governments of China and Nepal.

“Each year, we sell 40-50 tons of vegetables. Every summer, we gather red-shelled potatoes in Tibet for sale in Nepal.”

When asked about his annual income, the Nepalese man shut up immediately, impressing others with the importance of privacy.

The World Benefiting-All Restaurant, with a signboard inscribed in Tibetan, Chinese, Hindu and Nepalese languages, features Nepalese food. Rice in a stainless steel container is covered with curried potatoes, chicken and vegetables. Each order sells for seven yuan, and such an affordable price attracts some 40 diners a day.

Lanka from Nepal has been doing business in Zham for more than 20 years. “I benefit from the on-going reform and opening program,” he said with a smile.

He sells butter, rice, Indian incense, wheat flour, sugar and wooden combs. He bargains with his customers in Chinese or Tibetan.

“We Nepalese merchants enjoy freedom doing business here. No one is charging fees which we should not pay,” said the man.