FRANSABANK, and in collaboration with Microsoft & IDM, introduced its new PC Loan at a press conference held on Wednesday the 6^th of July, 2005 at the auditorium at its premises. 

The press conference was attended by Mr. Nadim Kassar Deputy General Manager at FRANSABANK, and Mr. Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager for Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean. HE Mr. Adnan Kassar Chairman of FRANSABANK was also attending to assert FRANSABANK’s commitment to the human and technological development. The conference was equally attended by seniors from both institutions, in addition to a crowd of press representatives and journalists.

The strategic partnership between FRANSABANK, the leading banking institution, Microsoft, the leading company in information technology and computer programs,  and IDM, First and biggest internet provider in Lebanon and Arab region, comes at a time when innovation in service has become a must in light of the new world’s globalization system.

In this context, Mr. Nadim Kassar said: “Information Technology has brought the world closer. However, the latest technology comes at a cost that cannot be paid by everyone, especially citizens of developing countries; thus unfortunately rendering information inaccessible to thousands of knowledge-seekers. By putting technology in the hands of the coming generations, FRANSABANK helps to guide them on the path of development, self-achievement and the eradication of computer illiteracy. The new PC Loan is a further step that aims at asserting the Bank’s social corporate responsibility by making the latest PC technologies available for all the Lebanese sectors at very affordable prices”

Kassar further added: “This new PC Loan comes within FRANSABANK’s strategy to create well-developed retail products and services designed to fit all banking needs. The new loan will give all Lebanese citizens including students and those with limited income the chance to own a brand new desktop or laptop.”

According to Mr. Chrabel Fakhoury “The FRANSABANK PC Loan initiative is targeted to touch all the communities in Lebanon; it helps people get access to high quality reasonably priced computers; and enables them to play an active role in developing Lebanon’s Information Society and Digital Economy. Additionally, by providing genuine software with this PC, we are aiming at protecting consumers from the continuous reliance on counterfeit software which is stripping the computing experience of all the value and benefits of genuine software.”

During the conference Mr. Kassar elaborated on the new PC Loan’s distinctive benefits and features. FRANSABANK and Microsoft  were keen to present to the market a convenient PC configuration at the lowest rate possible. Accordingly, the loan amount starts from USD 550 for desktops and USD 900 for laptops. It covers 100% of the PC amount, with very competitive interest rates. The monthly installments can be as low as USD 20 per month. Moreover, no life insurance policy is required. Other beneficial features are one year internet access from IDM, free virus protection, and warrantee all through the loan period.