Riyadh, KSA, 06 November 2008 - Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), a global leader in electronic payment solutions announced today that experts from across the CEMEA (Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic area will gather in Dubai for the annual Visa CEMEA Commercial Solutions Forum 2008 from 13th - 15th October. At the Forum, being held in the Middle East for the first time, Visa and other experts will present ideas, experiences and opportunities in the commercial card segment. 

Keynote speakers addressing the Forum will include experts in commercial card issuance and will provide case studies for delegates on how to become the commercial card issuer of choice, increase card volume and share, deliver flexible needs-based payment solutions and strengthen both small business and large corporate customer base.

"This year's Visa Commercial Forum will see representatives of 75 banks from 29 countries in attendance, a reflection of the increasing significance of the Commercial segment in the electronic payment sector. 2008 has seen over 50 new Commercial programmes launched across the CEMEA geographic area and Visa continues to invest in innovative product development to support business in this marketplace," said Visa CEMEA's Head of Commercial Products Andrew Doukanaris. 

According to Visa's Commercial Consumption Expenditure Index released in July 2008*, annual global commercial spending grew to an estimated $77.3 trillion in 2007, an increase of 12.2 percent over 2006. The index revealed that Central/Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) experienced estimated growth in commercial spending of 20.5% for 2007 or an estimated $5.1 Trillion, making CEMEA the fastest growing region in the world for overall commercial spending.

The CCE index is a financial metric that provides standardized tracking of business and government spending globally and is recognized as an industry benchmark for measuring commercial spending.

"The choice of Dubai as host of this year's forum is a reflection of Visa's commitment to the area and the belief that as an emerging marketplace, the Middle East and CEMEA as a whole has untapped potential. At a time when CEMEA's economy continues to diversify, the growth of its Commercial sector represents a significant opportunity for Visa and its partner banks to deliver innovative tailor-made products that support the business community whether large corporations or small businesses," Said Ihab Ayoub, Visa General Manager, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman & Yemen

*Visa Commercial Consumption Expenditure (CCE) Index announcement, 31 July 2008: http://www.corporate.visa.com/md/nr/press808.jsp

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About Visa: 
Visa operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

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© Press Release 2008