Cairo – June 15th 2009

British Ambassador Mr. Dominic Asquith visited Barclays Bank-Egypt's flagship branch, located in Stanley district; one of Alexandria's most luxurious districts, as part of his agenda of visiting the city which involves looking over some Egyptian–British projects in the governorate.

His Excellency Ambassador Asquith met with Mr. Khalid Elgibaly, Managing Director Barclays Bank Egypt, and members of the senior leadership from various departments. Mr. Elgibaly highlighted the developments Barclays bank has achieved. One of those achievements is the flagship branch being designated the first branch of its kind for clients in Alexandria. The branch is a unique banking model in terms of the standard of services provided, the luxury offered to clients, in addition to the branch's internal and external distinguished architectural design.

The visit comes within the framework of strengthening Egyptian–British relations as Britain is considered one of the biggest foreign investors in the Egyptian market, in addition to follow up on business developments in one of Britain's biggest investments in Egypt.

During the visit, his Excellency the British Ambassador stated "Egyptian-British relations are strong. We have many important investments in Egypt that achieved many successes over the last period. The banking sector is one of the most important sectors that has managed to expand and firmly exist in the Egyptian market. Barclays Bank–Egypt is one of Barclays top branches in the region due to its results and extraordinary achievements made over the past two years."

Worth mentioning, Barclays Bank Egypt has managed, over the last two years, to greatly double its business volume. Branches rose from 14 in 2007 to 65 in the beginning of 2009. This has reflected on the business volume of the bank as well as the economy as a whole, with particular keenness on spreading its branches country–wide aiming at reaching all clients and provide them with banking services.

"We were honoured to have his Excellency the British Ambassador visit our flagship branch in Alexandria, as Barclays Bank Egypt has invested greatly in order to better serve our customers. I was pleased with his Excellency the ambassador's response towards our achievements, our expansion plans in Egypt, and also the increase in the number of customers. We hope to continue our serious steps in the Egyptian market within the next stage and realize our long–term strategy in this promising market," Mr. Khalid Elgibaly, Managing Director, Barclays Bank Egypt.

Barclays Bank Egypt currently works on better supporting its customers through the vast spread of branches. The bank will offer more services and products that suit the current situation of the global economy. Out of its belief in the importance of different sectors, the bank has supported SMEs since mid 2007.

Barclays Bank Egypt's flagship branch in Alexandria is one of the top destinations supporting this sector as it includes the first formal headquarters for Latitude Club members. The Latitude club is an exclusive club established by Barclays to support this sector worldwide. The branch also provides banking services for senior customers in the Premiere sector.

Therefore, the branch is considered a banking forum for Barclays Premiere clients and SMEs segment.

The branch also provides a distinguished services package for the first time in the Egyptian banking market including booking and using meeting halls equipped with state–of–the–art equipment to meet the needs of all clients. It also offers Premiere clients all over the world the opportunity to use these halls at any time during their visit to Alexandria. The bank provides internet services – whether for business or personal use – and for customers during their visit to the branch. Additonally, there are three lounges equipped with state–of–the–art equipment and display screens.

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