FCIB 1ST INTERNATIONAL CREDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT

CONFERENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

5 March 2005

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Harry Skip Brandon and Gene M. Smith to present at the first FCIB International Credit & Risk Management Conference in the Middle East in March 2005.

Full Announcement below.

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Finance, Credit and International Business (FCIB) - for more than 80 years a global authority in business credit - is delighted to announce its First International Conference in the Middle East. This ground breaking event will take place at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai from 13 to 15 March and will be sponsored by HSBC. The Conference will also enjoy the full support of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and FCIB is honoured that His Excellency Abdul Rahman G. Al Mutaiwee, Director General of the Chamber, has agreed to deliver the Keynote Address.

The Conference will feature presentations on Regional Country Risk Analysis in Today's Global Market, Conducting Business Securely in the Middle East, An International Forum examining the evolving role of Trade Finance in Key Business Development Markets - featuring contributions from key global players HSBC – prime sponsors of the Conference - Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase and Standard Chartered - and an In-depth Question and Answer Session on the key International Credit issues of the day.

Christopher Lewis, Regional Manager Trade Services HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, said: "FCIB Conferences serve as a barometer to current international trade credit practice and provide for one-to-one discussion, drawing on the expertise and knowledge of experienced Senior Credit Executives across a wide range of industries. They are invaluable for anyone serious about exporting and HSBC is delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Association's First Conference in the Middle East."

FCIB has assembled a group of distinguished international credit practitioners and presenters including:

Dr. Hans Belcsak - President - S.J. Rundt & Associates, Inc

Ms. Gene Smith - President - Smith Brandon International

Mr. Harry Brandon - C.0.0. - Smith Brandon International

Mr. Ken Garrison - President and C.O.O. - FCIB

Mr. Tim Lane - Director of European Operations - FCIB

The Conference will also provide extensive networking opportunities and is an essential event for Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors and Treasurers with specific departmental responsibility for International Credit and Risk Management, Risk Management and Trade Finance Managers and Executives, Credit Analysts, Finance and Insurance Institutions specialising in Trade Finance and Risk Management and Credit and Collection Specialists.

Media enquiries to Steve Martin, Regional Manager Corporate Affairs, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited on tel +9714 3906634 or +9871 50456854, email: steve.r.martin@hsbc.com