UnionPay has issued over 68 million cards in over 40 countries and regions by the end of November 2016. 15 million cards are newly issued this year alone. Major issuing markets include Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and the Belt and Road markets.
Number of transactions of overseas-issued cards in Mainland China grew by around 50% from January to November this year. China’s National Tourism Administration has revealed that inbound tourists reached 67.87 million in the first six months of 2016, growing 3.8% year-on-year. This is 8.84 million more than the outbound tourists. Inbound tourists in the second half of this year will mark a year-on-year growth of 4% or more.
The payment brand has promoted the large-scale issuance of cards in markets outside mainland China. It is building special business circles in mainland cities and to improve trade settlement services. It has also worked to offer exclusive offers and value-added services for overseas-issued cards. China’s acceptance of the payment brand is extensive. From January to November, the transaction volume of UnionPay cards issued in Korea in mainland China grew by around 50%. Transaction volume of UnionPay Cards issued in Pakistan and Nepal grew by two times and that of UnionPay cards issued in Russia, Kyrgzstan, Indonesia and Mauritius also grew by 50$.
