VEON s Banglalink Launches Digital Services Marketplace AppLink

Amsterdam, 11th April 2022 - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON), a global digital operator that provides mobile connectivity and services, today announces that Banglalink, its mobile operator in Bangladesh, has launched AppLink, a digital services marketplace aimed at connecting Banglalink customers with local developers. It provides customers with convenient purchase facilities and offers new earning opportunities for developers.

AppLink provides a streamlined approach for local developers to make apps available for download by Banglalink customers and gives them a convenient way to monetize their apps while following local regulations. Local developers will be provided with online tools to present and monetize their apps, with published apps sorted into different categories such as health, education, sports, agriculture, public service, entertainment, and business. Banglalink customers will be able to purchase apps through their mobile balance.

Innovation is at the core of our digital operator strategy. Nowhere is that more evident than in Bangladesh, a market with enormous potential that is undergoing a digital transformation, states Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group. We serve markets with 680 million people across nine operators with 220 million customers and, through local initiatives such as AppLink, contribute to the development of countries digital economies.

With over 4,500 software companies and more than 300,000 ICT specialists and software developers in Bangladesh1, AppLink will provide a marketplace for the countrys technology talent, including a strong community of young developers, to Banglalinks 13 million smartphone users.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, Bangladeshs Honourable State Minister, ICT Division, stated: Banglalink is known for taking exemplary digital initiatives for the countrys youth. This time, it has created a digital platform that will encourage young developers to deliver apps for our local market. This is an example of how large corporate organisations can contribute to the growth of our IT sector by empowering young professionals.

Banglalinks AppLink mirrors other developments by VEON mobile operators to bring innovative digital services to mobile users. These include Toffee, a highly successful entertainment application launched in 2019 that is now used by 6.4 million people in Bangladesh; Health Hub, a recently launched digital health aggregator platform within Banglalinks self-care app; and JazzCash, VEONs mobile banking service in Pakistan that has 15.2 million customers2

1 Source: Dcastalia

2 customer numbers as of 31st December 2021

LINK:	https://www.veon.com/media/media-releases/2022/veons-banglalink-launch...
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