Barclays takes Customers to FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 in South Africa

Barclay Bank of Mozambique (BBM) CEO, Paul Nice together with Amilcar Barros, executive for BBM Corporate banking recently took some clients to South Africa to watch the semi-final game between South Africa and Brazil in the FiFa 2009 Confederations Cup.

The trip was arranged by BBM together with Absa Bank in South Africa, member of the Barclays group. This trip was to show appreciation for its clients and affording them an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the footballing spectacle taking place in the African soil for the first time.

This was also in recognition of the important role that sports in particular soccer plays in unifying people and on business. Many has lamented about the positive impact the hosting of 2010 in South Africa, will have on business across the African continent.

Amongst the customers that were treated to this exclusive opportunity included Mcel, represented by Gomes Zita; Direcção Nacional de Açucar, represented by Robert Dean; Export Marketing, represented by Guillermo Machado; Hollard Insurance Company, represented by Miguel Navarro.

Absa Bank a member of the Barclays group hosted the Mozambican delegation. Paul Nice praised this initiative reminding that Barclays is one of the sponsors of the English Premier League. This passion for soccer also extends to other Barclays operations in South Africa, with Absa as the member of Barclays group being the main sponsor of the South Africa premier League.

”We saw this as opportunity to entertain these potential customers to this world class football experience as they are fond of soccer and this afforded us a good opportunity to get together and approach soccer related issues in a business perspective.” said Nice.

On his turn, Miguel Navarro from Hollard was pleased with the invitation and the recognition by the bank.

Guillermo Machado from Export Marketing also thanked Barclays and said this was the third game he was watching in this tournament and that he is a great fond of soccer.

Gomes Zita from Mcel said that this kind of initiatives are positive and help improve the relationship between institutions, which can contribute toward strengthening of business and boost the economy of country. He further stated that Mcel and Barclays are two strong brands and have potential to lead the market.

Robert Dean from the Direcção Nacional de Açucar was also happy with the invitation and also for watching a game involving South Africa team, the host of the World Cup 2010. Dean added that his company often resorts to funding from Banks, so this relationship will be even more strengthened