Sichuan Branch of CCB joins hands with Hutchison Whampoa Property (HWP) to introduce the first co-branded card in the Southwest

On December 13, 2006, CCB Sichuan Branch and HWP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL), held a press conference announcing that they will jointly issue the first co-branded real estate debit card - Long Card of Hutchison Privilege Association (HPA Long Debit Card). Both of them are ranked in Fortune 500. Their partnership marks a milestone for the cooperation between the banking industry and the real estate industry and reflects the importance attached by the two companies to the development in the Southwest. It is predicted that they will definitely take more actions in Chengdu.

The co-branded is a type of Long Debit Card. Since the first Long Card was issued in May 1990, it has experienced a development history of over ten years. Depending on the advantages in product innovation and integrated services offering, CCB Long Card are capturing more and more market shares. According to the People’s Bank of China, as of December 31, 2005, CCB has become the second largest issuer of banking cards in China with 18.1% of market shares.

For many years CCB has been committed to developing the Long Card in to a fast, convenient and personalized payment tool so as to offer the best financial services for customers.

HPA Long Card will bring a series of preferential treatments in creation, shopping, dining and entertainment for HPA members, CCB customers and the public. Moreover, the cardholders may enjoy the related preferential treatments and benefits offered by HWP and CCB. The two big companies will exploit their powerful strength, extensive networks and rich experiences in international real estate development and financial management to provide cardholders with premium services for property purchase and wealth management and adds brilliance to their supreme lives.

Privilege and dream

The Hutchison Privilege Association (HPA) is a set of preferential plans introduced by HWL on 2001 for its members. Up to now the vendors joining HPA are located in major cities of China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin, Changchun, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shantou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. Members may enjoy our considerate services and more preferential treatments in recreation, entertainment and shopping. A privileged and accomplishing life starts from HPA.

The HPA Long Card jointly aims at bringing the convenience and extraordinary experience to the public. Le Parc and Greenwich-Chengdu, the Double-Diamond Project developed by HWP in Chengdu will lead the residential culture of Chengdu to a new era in the coming future and set a new example of quality life for the people in Chengdu.

Holders of HPA Long Card may enjoy not only the basic benefits of common Long Card but also the following privileges:

1.         Enjoying the related preferential benefits offered by card-issuers (the details subject to the information issued by HWP (Chengdu) Limited, HWP (Chengdu) Wenjiang Limited and Sichuan Branch of CCB).

2.         Having the priority to join various activities concerning the projects developed by HWP in Chengdu.

3.         Having the priority to obtain the information and related materials concerning the projects developed by HWP in Chengdu.

4.         Enjoying the green channel for VIPs at No. 3 Sub-branch of CCB Chengdu Branch and Wenjiang Sub-branch of CCB Chengdu Branch.

5.         Enjoying the preferential benefits offered by the HPR member vendors in Chengdu.

Two top 500 companies with outstanding influence and achievements

With operations in 56 countries and the credibility and strength as a Fortune 500 company, HWL is a famous multinational corporation with over 220,000 employees worldwide. With an international vision, HWL operates the following businesses - property and hotels, ports and related services, retail, energy, infrastructure, investments, telecommunications and others. HWL is a highly recognized company in the world.

China Construction Bank Co., Ltd. is one of the four large Chinese commercial banks. In 2005, CCB was awarded the Bank of the Year by a British magazine -The Banker. In the ranking of The Banker in 2006, CCB ranked No. 11 in Top 1000 International Banks and No. 1 in Top 100 Chinese Banks. In the ranking of Top 300 Asian Banks 2006 by Asia Week (a Hong Kong magazine), CCB ranked No. 1 in terms of net-profit and net interest earnings. CCB was regarded the most profitable bank in Asia.

HWP and CCB attach great importance to the cooperation. Tan Jianxu, a General Manager, China Marketing, HWP, Huang Yaji, General Management of HWP (Chengdu) Limited and Shuai Jinkun, head of CCB Sichuan Branch attended the conference, at which this project was introduced and the details of HPA Long Card were introduced help the people know more of the privileges brought by this card.

About HWP

HWP is a property and investment arm of Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL). It is committed to developing good-quality office buildings, dwelling houses, shopping centers, industries, hotels and holiday projects. Its properties spread across major Chinese cities including Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin, Changchun, Shanghai, Qingdao, Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi’an, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhuhai. HWP is also devoted to expanding the foreign markets with investment projects in U.K., Singapore, Bahamas. In addition it also manages several deluxe hotels in Hong Kong, Chongqing, Kunming and Bahamas.

About Sichuan Branch of CCB

CCB (Stock Code: 939) was listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange on October 27, 2005 and was the first listed bank among the big four Chinese commercial banks. CCB may offer complete commercial products and services for customers, including corporate banking services, personal banking services and funds. As a leader in the Chinese banking market, CCB is also a major commercial bank to offer infrastructure loans in the mainland of China, a major bank for housing mortgage loans and a major issuer of banking cards. In 2005, CCB was awarded the Bank of the Year by a British magazine -The Banker in 2005.

Sichuan Branch of CCB is a level-A branch of CCB in Sichuan province. It was established on October 1, 1954 and it is headquartered in Chengdu. With the reform, development and improvement for over the past 5 decades, Sichuan Branch has developed into a modern financial organization with nearly 10 thousand employees, over 600 outlets, quality services, good profits, standardized operation and efficient internal control.