Banking News – Kumari Bank Limited and Helvetas Nepal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand financial access for micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, youth and other key value-chain stakeholders engaged in green and sustainable businesses.

The MoU was signed by Chandan Karki, Chief Market and Investment Officer of Kumari Bank, and Manish Pradhan, Country Director of Helvetas Nepal.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate to expand financial access for green enterprises and green value-chain businesses, provide business development support and strengthen the capacity required by entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

The collaboration is expected to contribute to inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship promotion and strengthening of value chains.

Kumari Bank’s Head of Sustainable Banking, Arpan Paudel, said the bank would support green enterprises not only through financial resources but also by helping them develop the business capabilities required for sustainable growth.

According to Paudel, the partnership will promote green and climate-resilient businesses while contributing to employment generation, innovation and local economic development.

The partnership aims to combine Helvetas Nepal’s experience in enterprise development and inclusive value chains with Kumari Bank’s financial expertise, services and extensive network to provide a long-term foundation for promising green businesses.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen relationships among financial institutions, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders involved in green value chains. Emphasis will be placed on capacity development to ensure the effective mobilization and management of financial resources received by entrepreneurs.

Kumari Bank said the initiatives would be expanded to target communities through its branches and service network across the country. The bank currently operates 279 branches, 286 ATMs, 41 extension counters, 40 branchless banking units and more than 1,223 POS terminals nationwide.

Kumari Bank, which has been prioritizing customer-focused innovation, responsible banking and sustainable financial practices, said the partnership with Helvetas Nepal would contribute to the development of economically viable green enterprises, employment generation and the creation of a climate-resilient economic system.

The partnership is expected to provide an additional foundation for building a clean, inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient economy in Nepal.