24 Nov 2005 Bank of China (Hong Kong) and VISA International join hands to pioneer the launch of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card in the Hong Kong and Macau Regions Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited ( BOCHK ) and VISA International today announced the launch of the VISA BOC Olympic Games Card. This is the first Olympic-themed credit card ever issued in Hong Kong and Macau, and is designed specially for those sports lovers and Beijing Olympic aficionados who will be able to experience the joy and excitement of the Olympic Games that this new card brings. The launch ceremony of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card was held today at the 70/F of BOC Tower. Officiating guests include Mr He Guangbei, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong); Mr Chris Clark, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Greater China Region: Taiwan, Hong Kong/Macau and Philippines, VISA International; The Hon Timothy Fok, GBS, JP Chairman of Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and Vice President of the Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad; Mr Eddie Laam Wah Ying, President, Macau Olympic Committee; Mr Zhang Hongyi, General Manager, Bank of China Macau Branch; Mr Xu Chen, Head of Olympic Office, Bank of China; as well as Mr Dickson So, General Manager, BOC Credit Card (International) Limited. Addressing the audience at the launch ceremony of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card, Mr He Guangbei said, As a major listed bank in Hong Kong, BOCHK is ready to fully support this event and share the pride that all Chinese have in this event by upholding the Olympic spirit of Higher, Swifter and Stronger. Today, we are honoured to announce the launch of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card, jointly presented by BOCHK and VISA International, together with Nanyang Commercial Bank, Chiyu Bank and Bank of China Macau Branch. Being a member of Bank of China Group, BOCHK is committed to supporting Chinese sports Page 1 of 5
development. With the common goal of One World, One Dream, we strive our best to provide our customers with more innovative banking services. As we approach the Games, we are well-prepared to offer quality banking and financial services to the athletes, participants, horse-lovers and sports enthusiasts. Looking forward, BOCHK will be promoting the Olympic message by encouraging Hong Kong people to participate in sports and event activities, and fostering health-consciousness. Mr Chris Clark, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Greater China Region: Taiwan, Hong Kong/Macau, and Philippines, said at the ceremony that VISA is very proud and excited to be working with the Bank of China (Hong Kong) to launch the first Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Card in Hong Kong and Macau. We are committed to bringing Olympic values and opportunities to our members and cardholders. The launch of the VISA BOC Olympic Games Card is a clear demonstration of this and is a further addition to VISA s many unique products that offer global acceptance and excellent reliability to member financial institutions and cardholders. The VISA BOC Olympic Games Card, featuring the Beijing Olympic Logo in Chinese against a sharp golden yellow background, is ideal for both collection and commemoration. Echoing this theme, BOC Credit Card (International) Limited has prepared an array of Olympic-related privileges for cardholders. From now until December 31, 2005, the top three cardholders who have the highest cumulative spending amount via VISA BOC Olympic Games Card will be eligible to enjoy an exciting package tour of Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games for two, worth a total of HK$600,000. In addition, cardholders can have the opportunity to participate in the fun-filled Horseback-Riding at Hong Kong Riding Skill Academy, to enjoy the joyful atmosphere of Olympic Equestrian Events this new card brings. From now until January 31, 2006, the top 50 cardholders of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card who have the highest cumulative spending amount will receive a Horseback Riding Training Course for two persons, while the 51st to 100th cardholders with the highest cumulative spending amount will get a Horseback Riding Fun & BBQ Package for two persons. In terms of merchant offers, cardholders of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card can enjoy up to 50% discounts on selected items at all the retail outlets of Royal Sporting House together with a great variety of yearround shopping privileges. Page 2 of 5
From now until March 31, 2006, each successful applicant of VISA BOC Olympic Games Card will be eligible to enjoy the first 3 years annual fee waiver and a welcome gift. Upon fulfilling the transaction amount (including transaction of retail purchase, cash advance, balance transfer, Cash Before Card or online bill payment) of HK$2,000 or above in the first two months after the card issuance (cardholders are required to conduct at least one transaction in each month), each cardholder is entitled to receive a Royal Sporting House Shopping Coupon worth HK$300 as welcome treat. Each primary card holder will receive 18,000 Gift Points upon successful application for an additional card within the first three months of card issuance. For BOC Credit Card s latest promotional offers, please call our 24-hour hotline at (852) 2108 3288 or visit www.boci.com.hk. - End - About Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited ( BOCHK ), established on 1 October 2001, is a leading listed commercial banking group in Hong Kong. With about 280 branches and 450 ATMs and other distribution channels in Hong Kong, it offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services to retail and corporate customers. BOCHK is one of the three bank note issuing banks in Hong Kong. In addition, BOCHK has 14 branches and sub-branches in the Mainland of China to provide crossborder banking services to customers in Hong Kong and the Mainland. BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited, BOCHK s holding company, began trading on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 25 July 2002, with stock code 2388, ADR OTC Symbol: BHKLY. Page 3 of 5
About BOC Credit Card (International) Limited BOC Credit Card (International) Limited (BOCI) was established in 1980 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BOCHK. All credit cards issued by BOCI are collectively called BOC Credit Cards. BOCI has issued various international credit cards and revolving loan cards, and is now the card issuing and acquiring processing centre for BOCHK and its subsidiary banks (Nanyang Commercial Bank Ltd and Chiyu Banking Corporation Ltd), as well as other institutions and organisations. BOCI plays an important role in the credit card business in the Mainland of China, Hong Kong and Macau. BOCI provides a wide variety of products to serve different market needs. Its product family includes the VISA and MasterCard Platinum Card, Gold Card, Classic Card, Business/Corporate Card, Purchasing Card, Co-branded Card (with over 20 co-branding corporations and organisations), U-point Credit Card, y not Credit Card, Intown Virtual Credit Card, BOC RMB Credit Card and BOC Express Cash Card. It also took the lead in launching the UnionPay Card Payment Service in Hong Kong in January 2004. About VISA International VISA connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions through the world s largest electronic payments network. VISA products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. As an association owned by 21,000 member financial institutions, VISA is committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com. About VISA Asia Pacific In Asia Pacific, VISA has a greater market share than all other payment card brands combined with 62 percent of all card purchases at the point of sale being made using VISA cards. There are currently 256 million VISA-branded cards in the region. For the twelve months ended June 2005, US$481 billion was spent at point of sale or withdrawn from ATMs in Asia Pacific using VISA cards. VISA Asia Pacific s Internet address is www.visa-asia.com. Page 4 of 5
About VISA in Hong Kong In Hong Kong, there are about currently 7.4 million VISA Cards in circulation, generating a retail sales volume of more than HK$140 billion from the point of sale for the twelve months ended 31 June 2005. VISA Hong Kong s Internet address is www.visa.com.hk. Page 5 of 5