China Merchants Bank (CMB), Changsha Heiwado Department Store and JCB International Co., Ltd. launched a new co-branded card for consumers in Changsha, China today.  The new card is the first JCB CMB card to be co-branded with a department store.  The launch of this card is a good indication of JCB's active development of local issuing markets in China.  The CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card will deliver comprehensive and tailor-made functions and services to Changsha consumers.

  Due to great cultural and economic diversity from area to area, there are broad regional differences of preference among Chinese consumers.  Therefore, creating unique solutions in response to the various demands in the Chinese credit card market is a key element for success.  The CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card in particular closely targets Changsha consumers.  CMB, the largest credit card issuer in China, and Heiwado, a popular department store in Changsha, provide customers the best products and services by integrating their resources with the major international payment brand JCB.  Cardmembers can use the CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card at any JCB or China UnionPay merchants in China and around the world.

  Mr. Toshifumi Ooka, the chief representative of JCB International Co., Ltd. Beijing Representative Office, said, "CMB's strong marketing ability ensured the great success of our first cooperation.  We are sure that the CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card will be another win-win success.  This time, we have a new partner - Heiwado, a well-known department store in Changsha.  It is an honor for JCB to cooperate with these great partners.  Going forward, we will continue to develop local markets with partners like these in Changsha to create solutions that answer the needs of Chinese consumers, and provide more diversified and high-quality services for cardmembers."

  Mr. Guo Guang, Director of Credit Card Center of CMB said, "We consider Changsha an important market, because it is a commercial and cultural city located in the central region of China.  JCB is a leading world credit card brand, and we have already established several successful cooperative relationships in the Chinese credit card market.  I believe our co-branded card will meet the varying community-based needs and demands of Chinese cardmembers."

  The CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card is not only a credit card but also a membership card for Heiwado Department Store.  Cardmembers can enjoy special benefits provided by both CMB and Changsha Heiwado Department Store.  Cardmembers are given 5% discounts when making a purchase with the card at Heiwado Department Store, in addition to earning Heiwado reward points.

  Cardmembers can also participate in a meaningful charitable activity through this card.  CMB and China Youth Development Foundation established a special sports charity fund in March 2007, which provides CMB cardmembers an opportunity to make contributions to the improvement and maintenance of Chinese elementary school gymnastic facilities.  Starting August 28, 2007 until June 1, 2008, CMB will donate RMB 1 to the sports charity fund for each successful subscriber to the CMB-Heiwado JCB co-branded card, and RMB 0.01 for each credit card transaction.