Citi Launches the Second Costa Rican Microentrepreneurship Award

Citi
Citi, 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. Citi's major brand names include: Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.

Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the communities where we work throughout the world. Globally, the Citi Foundation is focusing its giving on Microfinance and Microentrepreneurship, which helps individuals become economically self-sufficient; Small and Growing Businesses leading to economic expansion and job creation; Education, which prepares young people for personal and professional success; Financial Education, which helps individuals make informed financial decisions; and the Environment with a focus on sustainable enterprises that generate jobs and stimulate economic growth while preserving the environment. In the U.S. and Canada, the Citi Foundation supports Community Development programs that help build and revitalize neighborhoods and Education programs that prepare students for college and careers. Additional information can be found at http://www.citigroupfoundation.org/.


	Printer Friendly Page		FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) March 11, 2008 Citi Launches the Second Costa Rican Microentrepreneurship Award Citi through Citi Foundation will launch for the second time the "Costa Rican Microentrepreneurship Award," with the purpose of recognizing the efforts and achievements made by this important sector of the national economy. Last year, seven microentrepreneurs from different sectors and provinces of the country were awarded during a very touching and gratifying event for all the winners. On March 13, 2008, Citi will officially launch this Award with the participation of the Vice Minister of Labor, Álvaro González. The event is co-organized with ADRI, the organization responsible for this project in the country. Financial entities that offer microcredit are invited to the activity because they postulate the candidates who fulfill the characteristics and requirements needed to apply. Awards will be cash prizes and the candidate's names will be received by ADRI until April 25. After this date, the jury will work on the selection of the winners and final award event will be held during the month of June 2008. This time, the award includes a new category: "Innovative Enterprise," all the other already existing categories will also be taken into account such as the awards for those outstanding companies in the fields of Commerce, Industry and Services, Tourism, Production, and Handicrafts, among others. "The continuity of this project confirms our commitment with the development of Costa Rica. With this award, we want to extend recognition to the outstanding microentrepreneurs who are an example for others who would like to improve the life of their families and community. Last year's experience was very rewarding for all of us, mainly because this award outlined the important role played by this sector in our economy," said Jorge Mora, Citi Country Officer for Costa Rica. Juan Pablo Montoya, General Manager of ADRI added: "For ADRI it's an honor to work for the second time with Citi Foundation on this initiative to highlight Costa Rican microentrepreneurs in their efforts to transform Costa Rica in a most productive country, with a higher level of social justice. At ADRI we will always be willing to support the national micro enterprise and we thank Citi for this opportunity to contribute." The Award's jury counts with highly qualified professionals including: Dr. Luis Noel Alfaro from INCAE; Ronald Aguilar, from the Ministry of Economy; Armando Gonzalez, who will be representing the private sector; Kenlor Howels, President of the Costa Rican Micro-Credit Network; Mauricio Serrano, GTS Head from Citi Costa Rica; Adolfo Méndez, Operations Head from Citi Costa Rica; and Ana Beatriz Solano, Cash Management Head from Citi Costa Rica. # # # Citi Citi, 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. Citi's major brand names include: Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com. Citi Foundation The Citi Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the communities where we work throughout the world. Globally, the Citi Foundation is focusing its giving on Microfinance and Microentrepreneurship, which helps individuals become economically self-sufficient; Small and Growing Businesses leading to economic expansion and job creation; Education, which prepares young people for personal and professional success; Financial Education, which helps individuals make informed financial decisions; and the Environment with a focus on sustainable enterprises that generate jobs and stimulate economic growth while preserving the environment. In the U.S. and Canada, the Citi Foundation supports Community Development programs that help build and revitalize neighborhoods and Education programs that prepare students for college and careers. Additional information can be found at http://www.citigroupfoundation.org/.