By ARTHUR LEE

ATTEND a Chinese New Year party, book a new car and save up to $40,000. Citi partnered Cycle & Carriage to offer guests, at a dinner last night for commercial banking clients, the opportunity to buy selected Mercedes-Benz vehicles at attractive prices.

They came with a free COE, an exclusive Citi Financial Ang Bao and a discount package called the Mercedes-Benz 10 per cent Financial Booster.

Tan Chia-Seng, Citi Singapore's head of commercial markets, said: 'It's our way of saying thanks to our clients for their continued support over the years, and demonstrates our commitment to offering them the best products, services and benefits we can provide.'

To liven up the evening, Citi directors and team heads put on a kung fu performance. And those who wanted to take a peek into the future were treated to Chinese Zodiac predictions and recommendations for 2009.

Citibank Singapore CEO Jonathan Larsen said: 'Citi has been in Singapore 107 years. We are as much a local bank to our clients and customers. In these difficult times, it is all the more important that we work with Singapore companies, who will be the engines of growth that will help the economy recover from recession.

'We remain committed to the success and growth of our clients, and believe that together we can ride out the economic storm. We continue to support and work with local companies as they go on their journey towards becoming global players.'

Diana Leng, director of corporate planning at KS Energy Services, said: 'Citi has been a great banking partner for us. In good times and bad, we have been able to rely on them to give us the best advice.'

On Thursday night, UOB got an enthusiastic response from its SME customers. About 1,600 guests turned up at the Ritz Carton for a Chinese New Year gathering. Tables forming the UOB symbol were set out in the ballroom for guests to join UOB deputy chairman Wee Ee Cheong to 'toss up' to good fortune.

Yeo Eng Cheong, UOB executive vice-president and head of commercial banking, said: 'The business environment is unpredictable. But as a leader in the SME market, we will continue to work with government agencies, industry players such as the Asme and especially the SME community to look at ways to take on the challenges ahead.

'Partnership is the key to our business. In past crises we have worked in partnership with our SME customers, many of whom were able to weather the storm and surface stronger.'

This article was first published in The Business Times on January 31, 2009.