Doha Bank, in association with Visa Inc, has launched the ‘Go-Green Visa’ credit card. The environment-friendly credit card is a first for the region, the bank said yesterday.The Go-Green Visa credit card is manufactured from ‘bio-degradable material and the cardholders are able to manage their accounts electronically.’ E-statements reduce paper usage and wastage and all communication relating to the card is printed on recycled material, Doha Bank said. Furthermore, 1% of customers’ spend through the Go-Green card will be converted into ‘Green points’ and donated to an approved ‘green cause’ that supports environmental initiatives such as tree planting in Qatar. Dr Benno Boer, Unesco ecological sciences adviser (Arab region) said, “Unesco and Doha Bank have signed an agreement that fosters a long-term partnership covering a wide array of environmental activities including a ‘Certificate for Ecoschools’ as well as the ‘Arab Recycling Initiative’. The bank’s Go Green credit card is a valuable product, which donates a portion of the funds to a green cause.”Tony Gougassian, Visa Inc’s area manager (Levant and Qatar), said: “Visa has a track record of being first to market and partnering with leading financial institutions such as Doha Bank to deliver innovative payment products that meet the changing needs of cardholders while providing unsurpassed acceptance and security.”Abdullah M al-Kuwari (Green Qatar Centre) said: “Doha Bank and the Green Qatar Centre will together promote the green concept at homes, schools and offices through various green competitions and teaching the children to become environmental advocates at an early age.” R Seetharaman, Doha Bank Group CEO, said: “The bank has always been passionate about nature. We have pioneered the ‘green banking’ paperless concept by getting customers to open new ‘green accounts’. With the new ‘Go-Green’ card we hope to maintain our position as the ‘Best Green Bank in the Middle East’ and contribute to a cleaner and greener Qatar.” Louis Scotto – Doha Bank AGM (Retail Banking) said, “We need to play our part to protect our environment from further harm. As issuers of the Gulf regions first green credit card we will keep up Doha Bank’s image as a socially responsible entity.”
Gulftimes