First JCB card in Laos introduced by Phongsavanh Bank

Phongsavanh Bank Limited (PSVB), a major and the first private Lao commercial bank in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), and JCB International (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., today announced that PSVB has launched the first JCB credit card in Laos.

PSVB now issues JCB credit card to the Lao people who can enjoy JCB's global merchant network with over 24 million locations globally. Laos is the 3rd country in the Mekong region for JCBI to issue JCB cards following Thailand and Vietnam.

Phongsavanh / JCB Credit Card design is consisted of a mixture of Lao and Japanese traditional images, and cardmembers can enjoy discount promotion at over 20 merchants, including famous Japanese restaurants and Japanese cosmetic product retailers, from February to June 2014.

Information of the promotion can be found in "JCB Vientiane Promotion Map," available at some merchants and major In a launching ceremony held on 5 February, Madam Sengdao, Managing Director of PSVB, said, "We are proud to be a member of JCBI and to be the first bank to issue JCB card in Laos.

With today's launch, PSVB will access JCB's products and services to create a strong, sustainable and profitable business.

Phongsavanh / JCB Credit Cards will offer consumers new payment options, greater convenience when making payments and a wide range of cardmember benefits."

Mr. Kimihisa Imada, Deputy President of JCBI, said, "It is important for us to have such a strong partner as PSVB in the market which is becoming an important cross point in the Mekong region in terms of economy.

I believe there is the cordial relationship between Laos and Japan and huge growth potential in the card market along with its economic growth." He also said, "JCBI and PSVB will bring new values to the market with attractive benefits and establish a strong business presence in Laos.