#Japan #Tokyo #QNB #UPI #Netstars

Empowering Cashless Transactions: NetStars Teams Up with QNB

In an exciting development, NetStars Inc., a leading payment gateway provider based in Tokyo, Japan, has successfully connected its cashless payment solution, StarPay, with Qatar National Bank (QNB). This collaboration makes it possible for travelers from India to utilize India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across Qatar, significantly enhancing their shopping experience and payment convenience.

The partnership was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Vipul, the Indian Ambassador to Qatar, representatives from QNB Group, and executives from Qatar Airways Group. This gathering underscored the commitment of both nations to improving the convenience of Indian tourists visiting Qatar.

The groundbreaking implementation primarily starts at Qatar Duty Free (QDF), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group. As the first store to adopt UPI, QDF stands to benefit immensely, catering to a significant number of visitors from India, who ranks as the second-largest source of tourists to Qatar. With UPI, Indian travelers can seamlessly process payments in duty-free settings, turning their shopping into a more enjoyable experience.

Moreover, the incorporation of UPI in Qatar allows these travelers to utilize this payment method across various popular tourist locations. This results in eliminating the hassles of cash transactions and currency conversions while enabling real-time transaction capabilities.

The introduction of UPI in Qatar marks a substantial advancement in the interoperability of payment solutions. It promises to expand the global presence of UPI while simultaneously benefiting the country's retail and tourism sectors. This initiative is anticipated to drive increased transaction volumes for participating merchants and improve customer convenience, paving the way for business growth.

Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Chief Operating Officer of QNB Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the UPI launch in Qatar, emphasizing its advantages not just for Indian travelers but also for promoting cashless transactions in the Qatari market. Al-Neama noted that this transition will invigorate the retail and tourism industries while strengthening the interoperability of the payment ecosystem. Merchants are expected to attract more customers by facilitating seamless digital payments.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, highlighted the goal of establishing a globally interoperable payment network. He stated that the partnership with QNB represents a significant step towards achieving their vision. It will facilitate secure and seamless digital transactions for Indian travelers while reducing dependence on cash. Shukla expressed confidence that the proliferation of UPI would alleviate the complexities often associated with cross-border payment experiences.

Li Gang, CEO of NetStars, expressed pride in leading the integration of UPI in Qatar alongside NPCI International, Qatar Airways Group, and QNB. He commented that this successful collaboration aligns perfectly with their mission to expand globally seamless and secure payment experiences, thus enabling Qatari merchants to accept digital payments conveniently and efficiently from travelers worldwide.

About the Organizations

QNB Group

QNB Group is recognized as a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, having received accolades as the region's most valuable banking brand. With a presence in over 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, QNB provides diverse and innovative products and services aimed at maintaining a standard of excellence in banking, supported by a team of over 31,000 professionals.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, an award-winning airline, has established itself as a global leader, having been awarded the prestigious title of 'World's Best Airline' multiple times at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, including in 2025. Known for its premium customer service and operational excellence, Qatar Airways continues to connect over 170 destinations worldwide through its hub at Hamad International Airport, recognized as the 'Best Airport in the Middle East.'

NPCI International

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), established in April 2020, functions as the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NIPL focuses on the global expansion of India's successful real-time payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and the RuPay card brand, promoting innovative payment solutions and technological advancements in the international market.

About NetStars

Founded in 2009, NetStars has established itself as a prominent payment gateway provider in Japan, with a presence in over 500,000 locations nationwide. The company went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September 2023 (TYO: 5590), providing comprehensive cashless payment solutions through StarPay. NetStars continues to lead the charge in digital payment innovations, being the first in Japan to partner with WeChat Pay in 2015, highlighting its commitment to advancing payment technologies and services.

For further information, please visit NPCI International and NetStars.