IfG.CC - The Institute for eGovernment

e-Smart Technologies, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: ESMT; "e-SMART" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has successfully entered into a "Framework Agreement" with the Republic of Kyrgyzstan for the provision and operation of the country's e-Government and National ID Card initiatives using the Company's advanced biometrically empowered Super Smart Card(TM) and Biometric Verification Security System(TM) ("BVS2(TM)") platform. About the size of South Dakota, Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud traditions. The Country was annexed by Russia in 1864 and achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Kyrgyzstan has a population of approximately 4,900,000 people of which about two-thirds are of age fourteen or higher. Kyrgyzstan has made much progress in carrying out market reforms and was the first CIS country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Phase one of the project calls for implementation in the major cities and the issuance of approximately 1,500,000 Super Smart Cards(TM). Operations are slated to commence within six months after e-Smart completes a final country study which is already under way.

Kyrgyzstan's President, Askar Akayev, when asked about this new agreement with e-Smart, stated, "As part of our modernization program, we are constantly seeking ways to improve the lives of our people. In this vein, we have been seeking to introduce modern e-government and e-payment systems to our people, while avoiding the pitfalls of mis-identity and identity theft that currently plague such systems." President Akayev then went on to say, "After an exhaustive search to find the right system for our Country lead by our First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communication, Kubanychbek Jumaliyev, e-Smart's products were selected due to the advanced and unique technologies offered by e-Smart."

Mary Grace, President and CEO of e-Smart stated, "We are extremely proud to provide our BVS2(TM) platform and Super Smart Cards(TM) to Kyrgyzstan. We thank and commend President Akayev and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communication Jumaliyev for their wise decision made in selecting e-Smart's products." Ms. Grace added, "Once our systems are implemented and Super Smart Cards(TM) are issued to its citizens, we believe that Kyrgyzstan will become a model for all of Asia -- and the world for that matter -- of what a non-invasive, nationwide, personal biometric identity verification system can add to the convenience, safety and stability of society today."

The agreement is the result of the joint efforts of e-Smart's wholly owned subsidiary and hub for Asian business activity, e-Smart Korea, Inc. and Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Transportation and Communication, acting on behalf of the Country. Because the BVS2(TM) and Super Smart Card(TM) are deemed one of a kind products, and as e-Smart is the sole source for each in Asia, no tender is required for the contract. The Agreement is based on a "BOT" model with e-Smart operating the system for a minimum of twenty years.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Statements in this news release that relate to future plans, financial results or projections, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. While these statements are made to convey to the public the Company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent the management's opinion. While management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information available to the Company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described.

Quelle: PRNewswire, 12.04.2004