He said the company has been granted with business license and will begin operation on June 7. The overall cooperation with Beijing Industrial and Commercial Bank this time will establish a solid business network boosting the development of the company.

Though Xu didn't mention the concrete service items they will offer for Beijing residents, it's said their services in Shanghai and Shenzhen, such as "Chinese ivy" and "Evergreen plants" pension insurance, insurance scheme for children's education fees and medical cares have all achieved good results. Xu showed his confidence in the rapid development of their company. It's expected the number of its personnel will expand from several to two to three thousand by the end of this year.

Domestic and foreign insurance companies are facing upgrading competitions. China Insurance Regulatory Commission Chairman Wu Xiaoping noted currently 34 foreign companies have been approved to start business in China and other 112 ones scattered in 19 countries and regions have build up 199 offices in 14 cities.

Figures show foreign companies have experienced a rapid development since they entered China's insurance market in 1992, generating insurance revenue of 3.2 billion yuan in 2001. In Shanghai and Guangzhou, their life insurance has accounted for 14.4 and 11.8 percent of the market respectively, the property insurance, 6.7 and 1.5 percent.

Experts indicated the entry of foreign companies is favorable for residents since they can have more choices and be provided with high quality services. However, for domestic companies, which are inferior to foreign ones in services, the entry of foreign companies means more fierce competition. With the opening of markets, domestic companies are likely to suffer from a loss of market share or short of personnel.

(People's Daily June 4, 2002)