Skill Development Morang Agreement Signed for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
28th January 2026, Kathmandu
The economic landscape of Koshi Province has reached a pivotal moment with the formal signing of the Skill Development Morang Agreement. This strategic partnership between the Morang Industry and Commerce Association (MICA) and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, under the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) Project, is designed to revolutionize the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. By aligning classroom learning with real-world industrial demands, the agreement seeks to transform the local labor market and provide a steady stream of job-ready professionals for Nepal’s growing industrial sector.
Skill Development Morang Agreement
The signing ceremony took place at the secretariat of the Morang Industry and Commerce Association, with President Anupam Rathi representing the association and Bikash Panthi, Province Manager of ENSSURE/Helvetas Nepal, representing the project partners. This collaboration is part of a broader bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland aimed at fostering social and economic benefits through a federalized TVET system.
The Strategic Objectives of the Partnership
The Skill Development Morang Agreement is built on the realization that a significant gap exists between what is taught in technical schools and what is actually required on the factory floor. To address this “skill mismatch,” the partnership focuses on several core objectives:
Private Sector Engagement: Moving beyond the traditional model where the government alone handles training, this agreement places the private sector at the center of curriculum design and training delivery.
Apprenticeship Promotion: Creating a structured path for young people to learn while they earn, gaining hands-on experience in actual industrial environments.
Workforce Data Collection: Establishing a system to identify specific technical skills currently in short supply, such as boiler operations, mechanical maintenance, and digital industrial controls.
Sustainable Employment: Ensuring that training does not just lead to a certificate but directly translates into long-term, high-quality job opportunities within Koshi Province.
The Pivotal Role of Morang Industry and Commerce Association
As the oldest chamber of commerce in Nepal, the Morang Industry and Commerce Association (formerly Morang Merchants’ Association) brings unparalleled access to the industrial heartland of Biratnagar and surrounding areas. Under the Skill Development Morang Agreement, the association’s responsibilities are clearly defined:
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Coordination and Placement: MICA will act as a bridge between technical schools and its member industries, managing the placement of apprentices and ensuring they receive proper mentorship.
Industry Roster Management: The association is developing a database of “partner companies” that are committed to following Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards and providing stipends to trainees.
Skill Upgrading for Existing Workers: The agreement is not just for new job seekers; it also provides “top-up” training for current industrial workers to help them adapt to new technologies and increase their productivity.
Bridging the Gap via the ENSSURE Project
The ENSSURE Project, now in its second phase (2021–2025/26), provides the technical and financial framework for this agreement. With a total budget of approximately CHF 16.7 million (funded primarily by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), ENSSURE focuses on the “Dual VET-Apprenticeship” model.
In this model, learning is alternated between a workplace and a classroom. Apprentices typically spend about 20 months in the industry and 4 months in a classroom, leading to a recognized pre-diploma certification from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). This practical approach is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged groups and women, who can earn a basic income through stipends while they are still in training.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
During the signing ceremony, MICA President Anupam Rathi emphasized that this agreement is a “win-win” for both the youth and the industrial sector. For years, industries in the Morang-Sunsari industrial corridor have relied on expensive foreign labor for specialized technical roles. By cultivating local talent through the Skill Development Morang Agreement, the region can become more self-reliant and competitive.
The partnership also aligns with the ongoing federalization of TVET in Nepal, where provincial and local governments take more responsibility for human resource development. By creating a successful model in Koshi Province, Helvetas and MICA hope to set a standard that can be replicated across all seven provinces of Nepal.
Conclusion
The Skill Development Morang Agreement is more than a simple document; it is a roadmap for the economic empowerment of Koshi Province. Through the combined expertise of the Morang Industry and Commerce Association and Helvetas, the region is poised to produce a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive Nepal’s industrial future. As the ENSSURE project continues its rollout, the focus remains clear: providing sustainable, rewarding employment for all.
For More: Skill Development Morang Agreement
