In an unprecedented initiative, Bank Audi sal - Audi Saradar Group launched an extensive campaign entitled “خلّي الليرة ترجع تحكي” (let the Lira have its say) and pertaining to the “Loubnani” card, with the objective of enhancing the value of the Lebanese Lira and focusing on the importance of using it to boost economic activity. The campaign and card were announced during a press conference held at Bank Audi Plaza in presence of H.E. Mr. Raymond Audi, Chairman - General Manager of Bank Audi, Mr. Basel Eltell, vice president and regional manager, Levant, MasterCard Worldwide, and of Mrs. Randa Bdeir, Group Head of Electronic Banking and Cards Services at Bank Audi.

The launch of “Loubnani” comes within the context of a far-reaching marketing campaign entitled “خلّي الليرة ترجع تحكي”, and as part of the Bank Audi’s dedication to promote the use of the Lebanese Lira and consolidate its position as a local currency. The purpose of the campaign is to support Lebanon’s local currency by highlighting the purchasing power it used to have during the country’s “days of glory”, and to express the hope of it recovering its strength in today’s economy.

Mrs. Randa Bdeir stated on this occasion: “Loubnani” is expected to become the favourite credit card of the Lebanese because it takes root in our pride in the Lebanese culture and heritage, as well as in the Lebanese people’s love for their country. Furthermore, the form and content of the card – which was designed to attract every Lebanese and encourage him to have it –, combine past and present under one look. As far as the card’s form is concerned and for the first time in Lebanon, Bank Audi resorted to a new technique: “Loubnani” is produced with a cedar-scented material which gives its holder the opportunity to remember the smell of his country’s symbol every time he uses his card. That said, the card is available in five designs inspired from Lebanon’s beautiful surroundings.

Regarding the content, “Loubnani” offers its holder a number of benefits which match his Lebanese way of life and offer him the chance of participating in the “إحكي لبناني” (Talk Lebanese) loyalty program which allows him to redeem the amount of the expenses effected at all merchants in Lebanon and accumulated on the card against free minutes on his MTC Touch or Alfa monthly mobile bill. The cardholder is also entitled to a free 60-minute welcome bonus on his postpaid mobile line. Not to mention the “Mizat Loubnani” program which entitles the cardholder to special discounts and benefits at a network of merchants and matches the Lebanese way of life as regards hospitality and the love of health, beauty, tourism, entertainment, civilisation, history, culture and arts. The network includes restaurants, bars, clothing shops, sports clubs, festivals and cinemas, art exhibitions, and language centers.”

Mr. Basel Eltell added: “Bank Audi and MasterCard share the same philosophy – to bring innovative payment solutions to MasterCard cardholders while promoting the advantages of secure and flexible electronic payments. The Bank Audi “Loubnani” Titanium MasterCard card is the first of its kind to offer consumers in Lebanon a fragrant smell and an eye-catching design which captures the rich surroundings in Lebanon through various images on its surface. We congratulate Bank Audi on the launch of this card program which we believe is ideal for consumers who are looking to receive exclusive lifestyle-related experiences and privileges.”

The launch of this new product is yet another landmark in Bank Audi’s journey. Indeed, the launch of a card such as “Loubnani” enables the Bank to improve the purchasing power of employees who are paid in Lebanese Lira, and expresses a permanent effort to reconstitute the Lebanese middle class which plays a substantial role in boosting economic activity and encouraging the country’s development. Above all, the use of this card as the principal mode of payment will also contribute in limiting the “dollarization” effect on the Lebanese economy and confer a newfound feeling of pride towards Lebanon’s local currency: the Lebanese Lira