Chairman's China visit ignites interest

The trip in December was the beginning of a programme of activities to develop business relationships in emerging economies and increase Lloyd’s international footprint – some of the objectives the Chairman outlined earlier this month.

During the visit, John Nelson welcomed China Re to the Lloyd’s family and talked about the development programme which will see China Re second six underwriters to work alongside the Catlin team in London. The move will help China Re to understand how Lloyd’s works and, reciprocally, will enhance Lloyd’s understanding of the China market.

In an interview with China Business News, Lloyd’s Chairman emphasised Lloyd’s long-term commitment to China.

Previous Chairman Lord Levene, who had been instrumental in seeking to expand Lloyd’s business in China with the establishment of Lloyd’s China in 2007, accompanied John Nelson during the first part of the visit and introduced him to leaders in the Shanghai Government and the insurance industry regulators. John Nelson met senior executives from insurers and brokers, including smaller independent brokers. 

Eric Gao, Lloyd’s China CEO, has seen a great response since the visit. "In its round up of the year, China Insurance News included the strategic partnership between Catlin and China Re as one of the top 10 insurance events in 2011 in China,” he says.

“And since the Chairman's visit, which was widely reported, a number of insurance companies have approached us to find out more about Lloyd's. It is very early stages but an interesting development."

Find out more about Lloyd’s in China