Datacard Group, a leading provider in secure ID and card personalization solutions, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a major contract from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (MFA) to issue the diplomatic, Service and Public Fair passport of China.

In 2010, the China MFA, Public Fair & Service passport program will release the new e-passport with chip personalization. The passport data page will be personalized using high quality inkjet printing technology, with the addition of secure lamination, smart chip technology, and other security features. The new personalization process will be a combination of a fully automatic and high speed system, together with multiple desktop issuance systems with the same high quality personalization technologies.

“Datacard Group is honored to be selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this critical project,” said Angus McDougall, Regional Vice President of Asia Pacific/Japan. “We have more than 40 years of experience in the card and identification industry. We have deployed solutions in more than 325 government projects in over 90 countries and our equipment is used to personalize and deliver more than 35,000 passports every day. To have such a prestigious customer recognize these accomplishments and award us with this contract is a testament to our continued commitment to quality and service in the passport market.”

The integrated personalization solution for MFA features the Datacard^® PB6500™ Passport Issuance System, desktop issuance systems and software. This customized solution was developed in response to the customer’s requirement for seamless fulfillment of both centrally and regionally issued passports. Datacard Group will utilize its local resource in China backed by global support to provide the MFA passport project with the highest levels of quality and service.

About Datacard Group

Datacard Group is building on a 40-year heritage of innovation and customer success. Our portfolio of solutions, backed by expert service and support, enable card and secure ID programs for financial, government and other markets worldwide. With an unmatched commitment to customer satisfaction, Datacard remains the industry’s leading brand of secure ID and card personalization solutions.