"In Vietnam, we believe this is an epoch-making event for JCB business, because Asia Commercial Bank is one of the most prominent and powerful major banks in terms of expanding JCB card acceptance in this country, and we have been eager to partner with ACB for years," said Mr. Kenji Seto, President and COO of JCBI. "Vietnam is an important market for JCB in terms of card acceptance, because every year more and more JCB cardmembers in Asia visit Vietnam. JCB has now more than 59 million cardmembers in 19 countries and territories. Most of our cardmembers live in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China, which is very important for Vietnam from as inbound perspective." He added, "I am confident that our partnership is mutually beneficial for both our businesses, and I am looking forward to working with ACB for a prosperous future." Since 2004, Japanese who stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days have been exempt from tourist visas, which led to the increase of Japanese visiting Vietnam. According to the Japan National Tourist Organization, more than 410,000 Japanese travelers visited Vietnam in 2007, an increase of approximately 28% compared to the year 2005.  With Vietnam recently joining the World Trade Organization, it expects to see even stronger growth in the number of travelers from Japan.

  ACB, founded in 1993, is one of Vietnam's commercial banking groups offering a comprehensive array of financial services which include commercial banking, merchant banking, and credit and debit card services. Currently ACB has the largest credit card merchant network in Vietnam, with over 5,000 merchants. Mr. Bui Tan Tai, ACB's Vice President commented, "With burgeoning numbers of Japanese tourists and businessmen here in Vietnam and a further influx from worldwide, especially Asian countries, expected, we believe JCB card sales contribute to our merchants in Vietnam."

  JCB has been building alliances with major banks and financial institutions to expand the JCB merchant network in Vietnam since 1991 when it signed a licensee agreement with Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam for JCB merchant acquiring. Since then, JCB has expanded acceptance for JCB cardmembers in Vietnam by partnering with three other major financial institutions including United Overseas Bank, Australia New Zealand Banking Group and Sai Gon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank.  With the opening of ACB's solid merchant network, JCB brand business will continue to grow in Vietnam, offering more convenience to JCB cardmembers from abroad.

About Asia Commercial Bank
Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) was established in 1993. Currently, with over 140 branches, sub-branches and with more than 200 products, ACB has some of Vietnam's most diversified banking offerings. ACB has not only grown quickly but has also managed risk effectively. In a fast-moving and challenging business environment, ACB has maintained its position as Vietnam's leading retail commercial bank. ACB, the bank for every household, aims for perfection in providing financial services to its customers, performance to its shareholders, and a positive working environment to its employees. "Perfection is ACB's principle." ACB is the first bank in Vietnam to receive the three most prestigious awards of international banking and financial institutions (The Asia Banker, EuroMoney and The Banker). On July 17 2008, in Hong Kong, ACB was awarded "Best Bank 2008 in Vietnam" award by EuroMoney Magazine, the world's most prestigious financial times. ACB launched its card business in 1996. ACB is the leading bank in issuing international cards in Vietnam (MasterCard card issued in 1996 and Visa Card issued in 1997). ACB's merchant network includes 5,000 merchants, most high-volume merchants are concentrated in big cities and provinces like Ha Noi, HCMC, Hoi An (Quang Nam) and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa). Customers are mainly from tourists.