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UnionPay makes inroads in the Arab world with processing agreement

Pan-African and Middle Eastern payments processor Emerging Markets Payments has partnered with China's fast-growing bankcard company.

December 15, 2015

Emerging Markets Payments, a pan-African and Middle Eastern payments processor, has partnered with UnionPay International to expand its card acceptance in the Arab world.

Under the terms of the agreement, EMP will support UPI in expanding card acceptance regionally, beginning with Jordan. UnionPay cardholders will be able to make purchases on all EMP POS terminals in its merchants network and via other payment channels supported by the company.

The UnionPay card scheme boasts the world's largest cardholder base with 5 billion cards issued in 40 countries and regions a accepted in more than 150.

EMP CEO Hassan Mayassi said that the agreement will benefit not only the two companies, but also many customers in the region who will gain access to more services and payment options.