05 Mar 2017

The introduction of Union Pay International card in Botswana will enhance  trade  between Botswana and  China as the demand  of payment solutions through bank cards has increased.
Speaking at the launch of the Barclays Bank of Botswana and Union Pay International in Gaborone recently, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Dr Zhao Yanbo said it was through the high demand for payment solutions through bank cards that saw Barclays Bank and Union Pay International coming to an agreement for partnership to benefit the trades exchange of people of the two countries.
He said China being one of the biggest trade partners for Botswana and Botswana being a tourist destination for Chinese people, the introduction of the Union Pay International would ease the hassle of processing payments, which he said had been a nightmare.
Dr Zhao said Barclays Bank Botswana was an outstanding bank having extensive influence in Botswana, stating that partnership with Union Pay International was  a win-win cooperation for both sides.
He said Union Pay International would expand its services to a lot more commercial institutions and travellers, whereas Barclays could also increase its networking value.
The Ambassador said the cooperation between the two sides would make more progress and achievements in the future and said China Union Pay International was the largest card issuer in china, having established an extensive coverage of service network and a strong market advantage.
He said it had stepped up its pace of internalisation in recent years to meet the needs of China’s opening  up policy, stating that  until now, it has opened services through partnership in more than 150 countries or regions around the world.
He said if packaged well, the SADC region, which has beautiful attractions like the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia can benefit a lot.
For her part, the Barclays Managing Director Botswana, Ms Reinette van der Merwe said for the partnership to continue, the bank acknowledges the need to constantly innovate and provide products and services that are aligned to the needs of their customers. ENDS