Dubai 25 June 2007: Barclays Bank today conducted a corporate client presentation covering the Uniform Customs and Practice - 600 (UCP 600) at the Godolphin Ballroom, Emirates Towers.

The presentation was held to introduce the UCP 600 to corporate clients in order to prepare the bank and the clients to the implementation of the UCP 600 on 01July2007.

The last revision of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Uniform Customs & Practice was the UCP 500 (1993 version). The presentation was a reflection of the developments in international trade finance and the practical application of the UCP 600 in day-to-day trade transactions in banks and corporates alike.

The UCP 600 presentation was opened by Mr. Colin Fraser, Head of Commercial Banking, UAE and GCC followed by a presentation from Mr. Vincent O'Brien, Managing Director of the Electronic Business School of Ireland and a member of the ICC Banking Commission.

Mr. O'Brien acted as a lead content writer of the ICC's officially certified online UCP 600 training 'UPSKILL600'. He is a highly experienced practitioner of International Trade Finance being a long-standing member of the ICC Banking Commission. He has more than 20 years international trade banking experience and has delivered trade finance technical assistance and training in more than 50 countries worldwide. Mr. O'Brien is the examiner of International Trade Finance for the Institute of International Trade of Ireland.

He is a lead content writer for UpSkills600, the only Certified Online Training in Documentary Credits and UCP 600 of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Colin Fraser said: "The newly revised UCP 600 - Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits Publication No 600 - of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will impact trade finance globally and Barclays Bank PLC has been pro-active in preparing itself for the implementation and support to corporate clients for a seamless transition. We are delighted that an expert trade-finance practitioner (Mr. Vincent O'Brien) is leading this presentation for Barclays Bank PLC to raise the awareness of the changes and impact on the international trade when the UCP 600 comes into effect" Vincent O'Brien said: "Barclays constantly strives to support its corporate clients in international trade operations and I am delighted to partner Barclays in this presentation in UAE. They will certainly offer an opportunity for corporate to better understand the new rules and to share knowledge and best practices,".

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About Barclays Global Retail and Commercial banking
Barclays Commercial Banking offers a wide spectrum of customized solutions to meet the needs of its customers. This ranges from vanilla trade finance requirements such as letters of credit and guarantees to more complex products such as commodity financing, acquisition financing and structured financing packages for specific sectors such as property. The solutions provided by Barclays Commercial Banking are tailored, and can be rapidly customised to meet the evolving needs of its growing customer base. In cognisance of the strong trade and investment linkages within the Gulf and North African region, the Barclays Commercial banking team has developed its regional hub in the UAE and as a result is able to offer a seamless and integrated offering across the Middle East and North Africa. The operation also includes Retail. Ahmed Khan is the CEO Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Emerging Markets.

Barclays has operated in the UAE for over thirty years and is now expanding in the Emirates as part of its strategy to increase exposure to attractive emerging markets and the reach of its retail banking service. The bank launched its UAE mortgage business last year, breaking the mould with its Mini-driving sales team.

From June 2007, customers in the UAE are being offered new products that make it easier to bank with Barclays. Using technology and an innovative mobile sales force, Barclays will take its banking services to its customers in the UAE instead of the customer coming to the bank. Barclays UAE GRCB has more than 300 employees.

For further information, please contact:
Maitha Al Qader,
Public Relations Manager,
Barclays Bank PLC
Tel: + 971 4 362 6772,
Mobile: + 971 50 652 5903
Email: Maitha.alqader@barclays.com

Florence Goodman,
Head of PR and Corporate Relations
Tel: + 971 4 362 6785,
Mobile : +971 50 651 0871
Email: florence.goodman@barclays.com

© Press Release 2007