Dubai, May 20th, 2008 (WAM) -- Electronic Document Centre (EDC), a subsidiary of Emirates Post Holding Group, has exceeded the target of producing 6 million smart cards annually for private sector and government clients, and has announced plans for expansion to new markets.

EDC demonstrated its full range of services at the two-day Cards Middle East 2008 exhibition, which was inaugurated by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, in Dubai, in the presence of Mr. Abdullah Al Daboos, President of the Group and Mr. Abdullah Alashram, CEO of EDC.

Cards Middle East is a conference cum exhibition which serves as the regional marketplace for payments and transaction professionals. The event showcases latest technologies, new products and solutions in the field of cards. EDC supported the event as a platinum sponsor.

In a globalised world, payment cards are a great necessity, as they enable payment without borders, said Mr. Al Daboos. EDC has emerged as a leading player in this field, serving the interests of banks, financial institutions and all organizations that need cards for various purposes. The sophisticated machines ensure security, confidentiality and speed. Mr. Al Ashram commented, The world of Smart Cards is ever expanding. At EDC we are geared to meet the rising demand from our growing list of clients. Starting with 300,000 cards a year, we have raised the capacity to 6 million within a short tome. Having met our targets, we are now seeking new markets through strategic expansion to regional countries. Cards Middle East presented the complete spectrum on the future of payments mobile, contactless, biometric, e-payments and the software and hardware solutions of the future, with participation from companies from all over the world.

EDC, which has been certified by major card companies for its expertise in producing payment cards, including Debit, ATM & Credit cards, also produces Health, Insurance, ID and loyalty cards, at its high-security, hi-tech card centre.

Located in the Dubai Central Post Office Building in Karama, EDC's Card Centre is one of largest such facilities in the region, producing cards for major local and international banks, supported by cutting-edge technology and highest security standards essential for such operations.

The EDC Card Centre is fully equipped to meet the demand of banks for Smart cards which are due to replace the Magnetic Stripe cards, as per the deadline set by Visa and MasterCard for phasing out the old magnetic technology.

While the Smart Card technology has gained currency around the world, EDC is already gearing for the next evolution in card technology the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards. The new technology encrypts contactless cards that allow the user to display his card to a Point of Sale (POS) Terminal or device. The integrated circuit storing and processing information transmits signals through a built-in antenna accessed by these devices, used for payments or specialized functions, without the need for swiping.

EDC was set up in 2002 to provide high speed variable data processing and personalized document printing, automatic secured enveloping with intelligent inserting systems, digital document delivery, fulfillment Services, stationery management, etc. to corporate clients. In 2005, it launched the Card Centre which has been hailed as one of the biggest and most advanced in the region.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.