Kathmandu — Kumari Bank Limited and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Nepal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand access to finance and business development support for enterprises operating in Nepal’s emerging green economy.

The agreement aims to support micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, youth-led businesses and other stakeholders involved in green value chains. The partnership will combine HELVETAS Nepal’s expertise in inclusive economic development and enterprise promotion with Kumari Bank’s financial services and nationwide banking network.

The MoU was signed by Kumari Bank’s Chief Marketing and Investment Officer Chandan Karki and HELVETAS Nepal Country Director Maneesh Pradhan.

According to the bank, the partnership will focus on strengthening value-chain financing and helping green enterprises gain better access to financial resources. It will also provide support to businesses to improve their capacity to manage and effectively utilise financing.

Arpan Paudel, head of sustainable banking at Kumari Bank, said integrating access to finance with enterprise development would help accelerate Nepal’s transition towards a greener economy.

The initiative is expected to strengthen links among financial institutions, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders while promoting employment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Kumari Bank said its nationwide network would be used to scale up the initiative. The bank currently operates 279 branches, 296 ATMs, 41 extension counters, 40 branchless banking units and more than 1,233 POS terminals, along with digital and mobile banking services.

The bank said its collaboration with HELVETAS Nepal is aimed at supporting financially viable green enterprises, strengthening value chains and contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient economy.

Published Time: 14:00 PM