China: Citigroup Announces Major New Grant for Environmental Project in Guizhou

Citibank a.s.
Citibank a.s. has been present in the Czech republic since 1991. Citibank a.s. has rapidly gained its position of the market leader in corporate banking and Citibank’s offering of products and services. Citibank a.s. entered the retail banking business in January of 2001. For additional information about Citibank a.s. please visit www.citibank.cz.

Citigroup
Citigroup, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com.


	Printer Friendly Page		FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) September 14, 2006 China: Citigroup Announces Major New Grant for Environmental Project in Guizhou Beijing Citigroup announced today a grant of RMB1,168,000 to support an innovative project that will help improve both environmental and educational conditions in Guizhou Province. The Green Aid project, organized and carried out by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries ("CPAFFC") and China Environmental Protection Foundation ("CEPF"), is designed to support one hundred and twenty poor children to complete their nine years of compulsory education by using the economic value generated from tree planting. The Green Aid project will support the children and their families from Laba, Bugong, and Huangcao Villages from the Bide township of Shuicheng, a County in Liupanshui City of Guizhou. The grant will be used for two purposes over a four-year term. One is to support Sichuan Pepper tree (xanthoxylum) planting by the families; the other will support education for the children as well as other initiatives, including the establishment of three mini-libraries and the organization of two terms of teacher's training. "The Green Aid project effectively combines environmental and educational initiatives into one and creates synergies between the two. It successfully sets up a new model of ‘blood creation’ by encouraging the independence and self-reliance of recipients, therefore improving people's lives in a sustainable way, " Mr. Qu Geping, Chairman of CEPF said. "Over the years, CPAFFC's programs have focused on a number of key issues, including living conditions and educational standards. The Green Aid Project is an example that falls into both categories and we believe it will act as a lead example of a self-sustainable program," Madam Li Xiaolin, Vice President of CPAFFC said. "Citigroup is deeply committed to making a positive contribution to Chinese society, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the CPAFFC and CEPF on this important project. We believe that our success in China will be only truly optimized through our ability to meaningfully contribute to the long-term prosperity of China, and we intend to maintain and expand our commitment to supporting the local community as we move forward," Mr. Richard Stanley, CEO of Citigroup China said. Guizhou, a high altitude province in China, suffers deeply from rocky desertification. Xanthoxylum plants, adapted to calcium and resistant to drought, can hold water and reduce soil erosion once rooted between the rocks, thus improving the ecological environment. The fruits of xanthoxylum, a popular and frequently used seasoning in spicy food, can also generate significant economic value. The Green Aid project also aims to improve educational standards in the three townships. Currently, there are no schools, just "teaching locations," with only eight teachers, half of which are part-time. The mini-libraries will help to better equip both students and teachers with needed reference materials, and it is expected that the teachers' training will be a meaningful and effective way to help teachers do a better job. The Green Aid project is the latest community initiative for Citigroup in China. Citigroup is a firm believer in community building and has contributed an accumulative U.S. six million to programs in China over the past ten years. # # # Citibank a.s. Citibank a.s. has been present in the Czech republic since 1991. Citibank a.s. has rapidly gained its position of the market leader in corporate banking and Citibank’s offering of products and services. Citibank a.s. entered the retail banking business in January of 2001. For additional information about Citibank a.s. please visit www.citibank.cz. Citigroup Citigroup, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com.