On September 14th, CCB and VISA International Service Association (“VISA International”) officially launched the China Construction Bank Yao Ming VISA Card (“CCB VISA Ming Card”).  This earmarked the appearance of a brand new credit card in the market which symbolises a young, passionate, sportive and fashionable life style.

During the launching ceremony, Zhang Jianguo, president of CCB, Zhang Kaichun, executive vice-president of Visa International and general manager of Greater China, and Yao Ming jointly unveiled the card.  In addition, Yao Ming personally signed the CCB VISA Ming Card and became its first cardholder.  Chen Zuofu, vice-president of CCB, said at his speech that the positive and enterprising spirit of Yao Ming not only signified the core values of the Chinese people but also matched the corporate culture of CCB.  He believed that the issuance of the CCB VISA Ming Card would provide a more comprehensive and efficient service to the customers at large.

CCB VISA Ming Card consists of two styles, Energetic Yao Ming and Confident Yao Ming, both bearing the signature of Yao Ming and adapt the new technology of luminous design.  It not only inherits all the benefits of the CCB Dragon Card including a dual currency function, self-selected PIN option, internet banking, payment by instalments and the incentives of “Win with Yao Ming” scratch-and-win, but also incorporates Yao Ming’s hardworking, persevering and enterprising spirit.

In the evening of September 13th, the special collection version of the CCB VISA Ming Card was publicly auctioned at the “Sohu 2007 Yao Ming Nash Charity Auction”.  This collectors’ edition, jointly launched by CCB and Visa International, is printed with the joint photo of Yao Ming and Nash, the world renowned NBA character and is the only credit card authorised by the two stars.  Both Yao Ming and Nash were present during the auction.  After series of enthusiastic bids, the card was sold for 450,000 yuan.  The proceeds would be donated to China Youth Development Foundation.

The CCB VISA Ming Card would be issued nationally on September 14th.  Customers can apply at all business outlets of CCB or seek more details of the card in a special column at CCB’s website (www.ccb.com).

Ever since the issuance of the dual currency Dragon Card in August 2003, CCB has actively responded to customer demands and has increased the issuance volume at strategic locations and accelerated product and service innovation.  As a result, there have been substantial increases in market influence, product competitiveness, customer satisfaction and risk control capabilities.  As at June 30th 2007, the number of the dual currency Dragon Card increased by 2,493,200 pieces against end of last year to a total of 8,834,800 pieces.  The total volume of transactions reached 32.364 billion yuan, representing a 93.8% increase over the same period last year.  Outstanding loan amounted to 6.154 billion yuan, an increase of 32.29% over last year end.  Besides, CCB has been awarded a series of international and domestic honours such as “The Best Dual Currency Card Issuance”, “The Best Joint-name Card”, etc.