Cairo – February 12th 2009

Within the framework of its continuous support to the social and economic development in Egypt, Barclays Bank Egypt has launched "Mashrouy" program – for the first time in the banking sector, aiming at promoting the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. Mashrou'y aims at developing and supporting the SMEs banking sector, as Barclays Egypt offers the first current account with daily interests for the clients benefiting from "Mashrou'y" Program.

"Mashrouy" program is one of Barclays distinguished banking solutions for SMEs. It was tailored to meet the needs of such enterprises by providing specific competitive prices for daily transactions in every single business sector. In addition, it provides a distinguished bundle of detailed solutions in many sectors like (manufacturing; trade; trade in services and wholesale trade).

"We introduced Mashrou'y program to serve and support SME projects which represent more than 90% of the total projects in Egypt, and comprise two thirds of the workforce producing nearly 80% of the national income added value," stated Mr. Akram Tinawi, Commercial Banking Director, Barclays Bank Egypt.

Mashrou'y includes a distinct package of general banking services in addition to providing guidelines and advice for developing SMEs projects based on the specific advantages of each sector. The program has many additional benefits that are introduced for the first time to the Egyptian market, for example SME project owners can now open current accounts with 5000 Egyptian pounds with accumulated daily return. It also provides customers with free chequebook and quarterly balance statement. In addition, Mashrou'y allows its clients to enjoy special discounts in projects related to the trade sector.

Barclays Bank Egypt believes in the importance of this sector, and so it allocated more than 20 out of its 65 branches to provide services for SME customers. The bank was also keen on covering different governorates through these 20 branches and not only in Cairo to reach our clients easily. The choice of location of the SMEs branches resulted from several studies done on the SME services. Thus the branches were spread accordingly in mainly industrial cities including: 6th of October governorate, 10th of Ramadan city, Maadi district, and Somouha district in Alexandria.

Worth mentioning, Barclays Bank Egypt has been offering customized banking services for SMEs since 2007, and providing unrivalled expertise in terms of financial solutions, with a deep understanding of the specialized needs of SME clients. The SME sector depended mainly on providing clients with flexible programs that matches all their needs and capacities. which made Barclays a real partner and not only a financer through providing expertise, support and training to clients. In addition, Barclays Bank also provides guidelines that help them in marketing their products and benefit from Barclays business network worldwide.

Barclays Bank is currently improving its products and services for SME through increasing efficiency in all branches specialized in SME services in addition to other banking services. Our main goal from all that is diversifying our services and fulfilling our clients' needs.

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About Barclays Bank Egypt:

Barclays Bank Egypt began operations in 1864 but was nationalized in 1956. It re–entered Egypt about 30 years ago in a joint venture with Banque du Caire. In March 2004, Barclays acquired 100% ownership and control of the business. Today, through realization of its plans for horizontal and vertical expansion, the bank is operating with more than 2168 employees with 75% increase compared to the same period last year to serve clients across the country through a network of 63 branches as at end of September 2008.

(Above figures are reported according to the financial performance report ending in September 2008)