Standard Life Asia, a joint venture between Standard Life Assurance Company of the United Kingdom, HIH Insurance (Asia) Ltd. of Australia and China Everbright Ltd., celebrated its inauguration in Hong Kong Monday.

With its service pledge of "a Promise for Care," the company aims to provide a comprehensive range of high-quality investment and insurance products for the Hong Kong market.

"Our unique business model of separating sales prospecting and sales closure allows our financial planning consultants to focus on providing quality service to our customers," said Robert Knight, Standard Life Asia's chief executive.

"With our extensive experience in the insurance industry, strong connections and innovative customer-focused approach, we are confident that Standard Life Asia will become the premier life insurance company in Hong Kong," he added.

The Standard Life Assurance Company, the main shareholder of the Standard Life Asia, is Europe's largest mutual life insurance company with a history of more than 175 years. HIH Insurance (Asia) Ltd. is part of one of Australia's largest general insurance companies while China Everbright Ltd. belongs to one of China's most prestigious financial service groups.

(People's Daily 11/21/2000)