UnionPay International (UPI) announced today that it has partnered with Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellry Association (SLGJA) for the 29th edition of FACETS, the flagship activity of the SLGJA supported by the National Gem & Jewellry Authority and Sri Lanka Export Development Board. The main objective of this partnership is to issue UnionPay Asia Prestige Sapphire Credit Card. This will be a co-branded Credit Card between UnionPay International and the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Association and the card will be issued by Commercial Bank of Ceylon. This will be the first UnionPay co-branded card issued in Sri Lanka and the card will be launched on the first day of this event, to the SLGJA members whom are classified as premium customers.

The FACETS 2019 exhibition is to be held from the 29th of August to the 1st of September 2019 at the BMICH. Over the years, FACETS has steadfastly developed in to one of the best international gem and jewellry exhibitions in the world. The local gem and jewellry trade has benefitted immensely, reaching appreciable heights in the international arena. Over the past 28 years, the brand profile of the show has developed to a great extent, gaining international recognition a world class exhibition.

For this year, SLGJA is expecting more than 10,000 visitors from local and overseas, and more than 150 gem & jewellry merchants to participate the exhibition to showcase the very best of Sri Lanka’s most precious gem stones and jewelries. As UnionPay being the official card scheme partner, UnionPay cardholders can enjoy up to 50% off on gem & jewelries from selected participating merchants during the event. 

The Co-Branded Sapphire Credit Cardholders will be able to enjoy the following benefits: unlimited lounge access for Diamond cards and 6 times free lounge access for Platinum cards at over 1,000 airports worldwide; free global concierge services; unique privileges at tourist attractions, access to global & local discounts on shopping, dining and lodging. The launch of this new product will bring even better payment experience to UnionPay customers in Sri Lanka.

UnionPay started its business in Sri Lanka since 2006. Over the past decade, UnionPay has been committed to bringing secure, convenient and efficient payment services to not only tourists visiting Sri Lanka but also the local residents. At the end of 2018, issuance of the first UnionPay card in Sri Lanka was announced through Commercial Bank of Ceylon. Now local residents can apply for a variety of UnionPay card products at various bank outlets. These cards can be used in UnionPay’s global network that covers 174 countries and regions. Sri Lankan cardholders can also enjoy special discounts, loyalty rewards and abundant benefits offered by UnionPay.

So far, UnionPay card is already accepted at the majority of merchants and ATM terminals in cities such as Colombo, Kandy and Galle. UnionPay’s contactless payment service, QuickPass, is accepted at about 5,000 POS terminals. In December last year, UnionPay’s innovative payment solution, QR code payment was also launched and it is been gradually rolled out at merchant establishments. These UnionPay innovative payment solutions are expected to give UnionPay cardholders more options and support the local government’s blueprint of financial inclusion.