DUSHANBE, June 11, 2011, Asia-Plus – On Friday June 10, Kazkommertsbank Tajikistan (KKB Tajikistan) and American Express announced a new partnership to enable Kazkom to acquire merchants onto the American Express network in Tajikistan.

Nouriddin Lafizov, who leads the cards business for KKB Tajikistan said, “We are excited to have been selected by American Express to be its exclusive acquiring partner in Tajikistan.  We look forward to utilizing our partnership with American Express to deliver a high-quality, premium level of service to our merchants. In addition, with merchant acquiring agreements in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, this new deal broadens our relationship with American Express, and I am confident that this will be a successful partnership, further enhancing the business and reputation of Kazkommertsbank and American Express.”

Alex M. Furber, Vice President, American Express Global Network Services, Europe, Middle East and Africa region, commented, “We are delighted to have reached this partnership agreement with Kazkommertsbank in Tajikistan as we seek relationships with the best partners around the world. We will be working closely with Kazkommertsbank to broaden American Express’ merchant coverage in this exciting new market.”

As part of the agreement, KKB Tajikistan will serve as the exclusive merchant acquirer for American Express transactions in Tajikistan and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the merchant relationship, from acquisitions through to statements and marketing activities.  As a result of this agreement, American Express Cardmembers will also have access to American Express’ worldwide ATM network.

Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) Kazkommertsbank Tajikistan is affiliated bank of Joint-Stock Company Kazkommertsbank, which is now the largest financial institution of Kazakhstan and CIS.  Being full service bank, Kazkommertsbank Tajikistan has all spectrum of banking services, including projects on introduction of modern banking technologies and products.  JSC Kazkommertsbank Tajikistan is one of the youngest and most progressive banks in Tajikistan.