KATHMANDU, Oct 1: Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) are jointly operating porter clothing centers in Kathmandu and Lukla.

The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect on Friday amid a ceremony held in Kathmandu. TAAN President Chandra Prasad Rijal and KEEP President Bimal Naharki signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations on the sidelines of the 20th AGM of KEEP.

Trekking staff can take warm jacket, trouser and boot from the centers by laundry fee only. They will have to return the clothing and footwear to the center after the trek is completed.

As per the MoU, KEEP will look after management of clothing centers while TAAN will pay salary of staffers and house rent. Similarly, TAAN will hand over clothing sets from its clothing center in Lukla to KEEP and purchase new clothing sets as required.

Speaking at the program, TAAN President Rijal said that the operation of clothing centers will relay positive message about Nepal to major tourist generating markets. "Our markets will know that we are taking proper care of our trekking staff. This will help in tourism promotion," he added.

The agreement is expected to benefit thousands of trekking staff who need to work in higher altitude but do not have appropriate clothing. 

KEEP has already been operating a clothing center in Thamel. Similarly, TAAN Pokhara has been operating similar center in Pokhara.