Kochi: Prior to initiating an expression of interest for selecting the financial partner to raise funds through municipal bonds, the Kochi corporation is holding discussions with various banks. According to sources, the corporation will start to issue municipal bonds this year.“We have already got the nod from Securities and Exchanges Borad of India for issuing municipal bonds,” M G Aristotle, member, finance standing committee, said.A corporation team led by mayor V K Minimol met officials of the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs in April. According to the mayor, the ministry has promised full support for the issuance of municipal bonds and will train the corporation officials on how to float the bonds.