Core Viewpoint - UnionPay International has signed a comprehensive acceptance cooperation agreement with Portugal's national airline, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Europe [1] Group 1: Market Expansion and Partnerships - The agreement with Portugal's national airline is part of UnionPay's strategy to deepen its market presence in Europe, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU [1] - UnionPay has established a robust payment network in Europe over the past 20 years, with over 90% of countries and regions in Europe now offering UnionPay services [1] - The company has created a multi-faceted payment system that integrates card, code, and mobile payment options, with over 6 million merchants supporting mobile payments through UnionPay [1] Group 2: Consumer Experience and Payment Solutions - The rise of mobile payments has been significant, with UnionPay mobile transactions in Europe doubling since 2025, becoming the mainstream choice for Chinese tourists [1] - UnionPay offers various advantages for cardholders, including favorable exchange rates and cashback offers, enhancing the consumer experience for outbound Chinese tourists [2] - The tax refund process has been optimized, allowing for real-time refunds through the Cloud Flash Payment app at major international airports in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy [2] Group 3: Product Offerings and Global Reach - UnionPay, in collaboration with the Bank of China Frankfurt branch, has launched the "Jinxiu China Card" in Europe, with over one million UnionPay cards issued across 13 European countries [3] - The global acceptance network of UnionPay has expanded to 183 countries and regions, covering over 74 million merchants and issuing more than 200 million UnionPay cards abroad [3]

Core Insights - UnionPay International has signed a comprehensive acceptance cooperation agreement with Portugal's national airline, marking a significant expansion in Europe [1] - The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, highlighting the deepening economic and cultural exchanges [1] - UnionPay's mobile payment services have seen a doubling in transaction volume since 2025, becoming the mainstream choice for Chinese tourists in Europe [1] Group 1 - UnionPay has established a robust payment network in Europe over the past 20 years, with over 90% of countries and regions in Europe now offering UnionPay services [1] - Approximately 80% of merchants' POS terminals in Europe support UnionPay card transactions, with over 6 million merchants accepting mobile payments via UnionPay [1] - UnionPay's services are integrated into various high-frequency consumption scenarios in Europe, enhancing the travel experience for tourists [1] Group 2 - With the resurgence of outbound tourism from China, the importance of a comprehensive payment network has increased, with a projected 30% year-on-year growth in Chinese citizens' outbound spending in 2024 [2] - UnionPay continues to offer advantages such as multiple discounts, favorable exchange rates, and high cashback for cardholders in several European countries [2] - The tax refund process has been optimized, allowing for real-time refunds through the Cloud Flash Payment app at major international airports in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy [2] Group 3 - UnionPay, in collaboration with the Bank of China Frankfurt branch, has launched the "Jinxiu China Card" in Europe, with over one million UnionPay cards issued across 13 European countries [3] - European Economic Area residents can apply for UnionPay virtual and physical cards via mobile apps, facilitating seamless transactions both locally and in China [3] - UnionPay's global acceptance network now spans 183 countries and regions, covering over 74 million merchants and issuing more than 200 million UnionPay cards abroad [3]

Core Viewpoint - The speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the fourth "Belt and Road" construction work symposium emphasizes the need for strategic confidence and determination to create a brighter future for the "Belt and Road" initiative, highlighting the importance of payment systems in achieving economic and cultural connectivity [1]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Development - China UnionPay's internationalization strategy has been continuously advanced since the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed in 2013, focusing on high-level openness and cooperation [2]. - The company adheres to the principles of shared consultation, cooperation, and mutual benefit, leveraging its network, products, technology, and standards to support the "Belt and Road" markets [2][3]. - UnionPay is committed to expanding its card acceptance and issuance in "Belt and Road" countries, with nearly 90% of these markets now able to accept UnionPay cards [4]. Group 2: Payment Network Expansion - UnionPay has significantly increased its acceptance network, with coverage in various sectors such as airports, supermarkets, and restaurants, achieving over 90% acceptance in markets like Italy, New Zealand, and Turkey [4]. - The company has issued nearly 200 million UnionPay cards in "Belt and Road" countries, with one-third of these markets having local card issuance [4][5]. - UnionPay is actively promoting mobile payment products tailored to local payment habits, launching over a hundred UnionPay standard e-wallets in several markets [5]. Group 3: Technological Standards and Infrastructure - Since 2017, UnionPay has shifted its focus from traditional card services to deep cooperation on technical standards, promoting its systems and standards internationally [6][7]. - The company has participated in building financial payment infrastructure in countries like Laos and Thailand, enhancing local payment capabilities [6]. - UnionPay has developed local QR code payment standards in collaboration with other card brands in Thailand and Singapore, gaining recognition from local regulatory bodies [7]. Group 4: Future Plans and Initiatives - UnionPay's "Jinxiu Action 2024" aims to enhance payment convenience for foreign visitors to China, optimizing acceptance environments in key cities and various service sectors [8]. - The company plans to deepen its acceptance network and promote cross-border QR code network cooperation, particularly in Southeast and Central Asia [10]. - Future initiatives include localizing services to better meet user needs, seizing cross-border trade opportunities, and accelerating the establishment of payment technology standards [10].