Kathmandu, December 25:

Encouraged by the success of NIC Gold, Nepal Industrial and Commercial (NIC) Bank has launched NIC Silver, a 99.9 per cent pure silver granules, in 10-kg packs.

“Its easy for transportation and guarantees the quality,” Sashin Joshi, CEO of NIC Bank, said, adding that the small pack will help minimize the cost also.

“NIC Silver will benefit consumers and small traders,” said Tej Ratna Shakya, president of Nepal Gold & Silver Dealers’ Association.

As global demand for gold jewellery in the second quarter of 2007 has reached a record

$14.5 billion mark, 37 per cent more than the corresponding period of 2006 — according to figures released by the World Gold Council — NIC Gold and NIC Silver are certain to help Nepali silverware and crafts exporters.

NIC Bank has, on the same occasion, also announced the launch of NIC Business Accounts targetted to companies. Under this scheme, a depositor can earn three per cent interest on daily balance.

The account can be opened with only Rs 1000.