Himalayan Bank, UnionPay China sign pact

KATHMANDU, Sept 14: Himalayan Bank and UnionPay, a Chinese bankcard association, entered into a partnership in Kathmandu on Friday, which allows UnionPay card holders to use automated teller or swipe machines of Himalayan Bank to settle payments or withdraw cash.



Himalayan Bank currently has 900 swipe machines and 72 ATMs. Besides, 950 additional swipe machines of the bank´s partner, Alpine Cards, and 1,100 ATMs of its partner network, SCT, will also accept UnionPay cards.[break]



“Being chosen as a partner of UnionPay in Nepal is a great honor for the bank,” Ashoke SJB Rana, CEO of Himalayan Bank, said at the agreement signing ceremony on Friday. “We now can benefit from this partnership as the card has Asian focus and ownership.”



UnionPay currently has around three billion members in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and other Asian countries. The latest agreement means these card holders can easily use those here in Nepal.



“I believe acceptance of UnionPay cards in Nepal will increase foreign tourist spending and encouage more tourists from abroad to visit Nepal,” Larry Wang, one of the vice presidents of UnionPay, said.

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