EMP Partners with UnionPay International

Emerging Markets Payments (EMP), the leading pan-African and Middle Eastern payments processor has announced a partnership with UnionPay International (UPI) to expand its card acceptance in the Arab World starting with Jordan.

UnionPay is a fast growing international bankcard scheme serving the world's largest cardholder base with 5 billion cards, and now accepted in over 150 countries and regions and issued in over 40 countries and regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, EMP will support UPI in expanding their card acceptance regionally in general and in Jordan in particular. EMP, through its network across regional markets, will allow UnionPay cardholders to make purchases on all EMP points of sale (POS) terminals at merchants network and other payment channels supported by the company. UnionPay cards contain an embedded EMV chip facility; a safer and an improved version of the magnetic strip, which will bring wider usage and security during any shopping transaction.

Commenting on the partnership, which aims to offer an innovative, active and secure banking experience, Mr. Hassan Mayassi, Chief Executive Officer of EMP Jordan, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our partnership with UPI, and we’re sure that EMP has the needed regional experience, capabilities and knowledge to help our partner in developing its business in the Middle East and Africa region, by using our network of financial institutions, services and technologies. This agreement will not only benefit both parties, but many customers will have access to more services and payment options throughout the region.”

From his side, Mr. Wang Han, Deputy General Manager (In charge) of UnionPay International Middle East, said: “EMP is an important partner of UnionPay International in the Jordanian market. This in-depth cooperation between the two parties will further expand the acceptance of UnionPay cards in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the two parties join hands in carrying out UnionPay IC card migration in Jordan, offering more secure and convenient payment experiences to cardholders.” Mr. Wang added that UnionPay IC cards are financial chip cards in conformity with the EMV Specifications. To date, over 1,6 billion UnionPay IC cards have been issued around the world.