KB Kookmin Bank said on Sunday it will expand the scope of its foreign-currency loan operations and provide foreign exchange-related financial support to help stabilise management at export-import companies.

KB Kookmin Bank has been operating a "foreign-currency loan for exporters' domestic working capital" since March 18. It expanded exporters' use of foreign-currency loans to include domestic working capital, with loan limits set within the scope of export performance over the past year.

The bank expects this will help companies respond to higher costs and foreign exchange risks stemming from a rise in exchange rates, while improving funding conditions.

It also said it has been implementing foreign exchange financing support since March 3 for exporters and importers facing difficulties due to geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

Eligible companies include those operating in conflict areas, those with export-import performance, and partner firms. They will receive fee reductions and preferential exchange rates for fees incurred in trade finance processes such as opening import letters of credit and making overseas remittances.

At its business sites, it plans to strengthen financial support and provide guidance on related programmes for exporters, centred on corporate finance experts such as SME branch managers and export-import specialist marketers.

A KB Kookmin Bank official said, "We hope this financial support will help exporters and importers run their businesses in a stable manner." The official added, "We will continue to expand support for productive finance and actively back companies in stabilising management and strengthening competitiveness."