BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Mastercard is actively participating in developing and introducing new digital products in Kazakhstan, General Manager Central Asia at Mastercard Rafal Trepka told Trend.
According to him, with direct participation of the company, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google pay systems became available in Kazakhstan - these were the most important steps towards the digital future, which helped even more people in Kazakhstan to get the opportunity to choose the most convenient payment method.
"These services make it possible to use bank cards anytime and any place thanks to the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES). All Mastercard transactions, made using a smartphone or any other device, are protected with payment tokens. Tokens are one–time combinations of digits that are used on mobile devices instead of 16-digit numbers on plastic cards. The use of tokens allows Mastercard to provide a secure and convenient payment method," Trepka said.
He noted that recently the company launched 'Pay in motion with Mastercard' campaign with banks partners (Halyk Bank, Altyn Bank, Jusan Bank, Forte Bank, Freedom Finance Bank of Kazakhstan and Eurasian Bank), within which Mastercard cardholders get a chance to win 1 million tenge ($2,177). In order to do this, cardholder must pay for purchase using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay with a smartphone or other device (for example, a watch) in the amount of 3,000 tenge ($6) each. The drawing of million tenge is held weekly in each of the participating banks.
"Mastercard takes an active part in the development and introduction of new digital products that help small and medium-sized businesses become active participants in e-commerce. For example, in cooperation with partner banks, 'Tap on Phone' technology has been introduced, when an ordinary smartphone becomes a full-fledged Point of Sale (POS) terminal for accepting contactless payments by bank cards and other devices," he stated.
According to Trepka such products were launched by a number of Kazakh banks. This is very convenient for accepting cashless payments in places where previously payment was required only in cash - taxi, small shops, markets, hairdressers, shoe and clothing repair shops, flower and newspaper kiosks, etc. Cooperation with banks on the implementation of 'Tap on Phone' opens up even more opportunities for the widespread use of cashless and contactless payments.
"Mastercard is actively helping their partner banks in introducing projects, that were developed by startuppers. Mastercard together with the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and other partners is also conducting educational webinars for small and medium business from large international companies, with extensive and diverse experience in such areas as Internet marketing, e-commerce, electronic payments, accounting, management cash flows, etc. in order to develop e-commerce in Kazakhstan," Trepka noted.