Global IME Bank Partners with DI-Uday Project to Expand Financial Access for Small and Micro Enterprises in Koshi Province
26th December 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move toward empowering the grassroots economy of eastern Nepal, Global IME Bank Limited has entered into a strategic collaboration with the DI Uday Project. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Poush 9, 2082, is specifically designed to bridge the financing gap for small and micro enterprises across Koshi Province.
Global IME Uday Partnership
By combining the vast banking infrastructure of Global IME with the specialized local outreach of the DI Uday Project, the initiative aims to catalyze economic activity, foster entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities in a region known for its agricultural and industrial potential.
THE FORMALIZATION OF A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
The Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed in a ceremony by the Chief Executive Officer of Global IME Bank, Mr. Surendra Raj Regmi, and the Chief of Party of the DI Uday Project, Mr. Arun Rana. This bilateral agreement represents a high level commitment between a premier financial institution and a development project supported by international cooperation. The collaboration is not merely a financial arrangement but a structured effort to identify viable businesses that have previously been excluded from formal banking channels due to a lack of collateral or complex documentation requirements.
ROLES OF NEPALESE AND SWISS GOVERNMENTS IN DI UDAY
The DI Uday Project is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland. It operates with the technical support of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning of Koshi Province. This inter governmental backing ensures that the project aligns with the provincial development goals and the broader national economic framework. The project has been active across all districts of Koshi Province, working to create an environment where small businesses can thrive through better access to markets, technology, and now, through this MoU, essential financial credit.
TARGET SECTORS FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The partnership focuses on several key sectors that are vital for the economic health of Koshi Province. These include renewable energy, agricultural processing, information technology, tourism, and various manufacturing industries. For instance, an apple farmer in Solukhumbu or a small scale tea processor in Ilam can now look toward Global IME Bank for the capital needed to upgrade machinery or expand production. By targeting these specific areas, the DI Uday Project and the bank aim to accelerate the transformation of traditional livelihoods into modern, profit oriented enterprises that contribute to the provincial GDP.
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ACCESSING CREDIT THROUGH A VAST BANKING NETWORK
Under the terms of the agreement, enterprises and small businesses that are selected and affiliated with the DI Uday Project will gain simplified access to loans. One of the major advantages for these entrepreneurs is the ability to access these credit facilities through any branch of Global IME Bank located within Koshi Province. Given the bank’s massive presence, this ensures that even business owners in remote mountainous or hilly districts do not have to travel to major urban centers like Biratnagar or Itahari to process their loan applications. This localized approach is expected to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with securing business capital.
GLOBAL IME BANK LEADERSHIP IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
Global IME Bank is widely recognized as one of the most successful and innovative private commercial banks in Nepal. Its commitment to excellence has been validated by numerous prestigious awards, including being named Bank of the Year in 2014 and receiving the Euromoney Award for Excellence in multiple years, including 2024 and 2025. The bank’s leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria makes it an ideal partner for a project like DI Uday, which prioritizes inclusive and sustainable growth. With a network of over 1,000 service centers, 352 branches, and 384 ATMs, the bank brings unparalleled reach to this partnership.
CONTRIBUTING TO REMITTANCE AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY
Beyond its domestic lending operations, Global IME Bank plays a crucial role in the national economy through its extensive remittance network. The bank facilitates the safe and efficient transfer of funds from Nepali diaspora members working in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and the Middle East. These remittance inflows often serve as the primary source of capital for many small businesses in rural areas. By partnering with the DI Uday Project, the bank is helping to ensure that these funds are channeled into productive investments that build long term community wealth in Koshi Province.
CONCLUSION AND LONG TERM ECONOMIC IMPACT
In conclusion, the collaboration between Global IME Bank and the DI Uday Project is a landmark step toward financial inclusion in Koshi Province. By simplifying credit access for small and micro enterprises, the initiative is directly supporting the backbone of the local economy. As these businesses grow, they will create jobs, reduce migration, and enhance the overall prosperity of the region. This partnership serves as a model for how financial institutions and development projects can work together to achieve the common goal of sustainable economic empowerment in Nepal.
For More: Global IME Uday Partnership
