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Asia presents ‘great opportunity’: Swiss Re

Emerging Asia offers “great opportunities” for Australian insurers, according to Swiss Re.

The reinsurer’s annual insurance outlook says global economic growth will give the insurance sector a much-needed shot in the arm.

Australia has been affected by the slowdown in China and associated fall in commodity prices, and premium growth is subdued.

But emerging Asia is set to boom, and Swiss Re Chief Economist Kurt Karl told insuranceNEWS.com.au Australian insurers can benefit.

“The overseas strategies of top Australian players are diverse,” he said.

“Premium growth in emerging Asia is expected to remain robust due to market liberalisation and other government support measures to increase insurance penetration.

“In our view, emerging Asia offers great opportunities for Australian insurers to improve their premium growth.”

Dr Karl says double-digit premium growth is projected for China in this financial year, and relaxing of insurance regulations will boost growth in India.

Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam are also expected to sustain robust growth.

“The huge protection gap in the region also provides opportunities for insurers,” Dr Karl said.

“In our latest study, the property protection gap in emerging Asia is $US48 billion ($66.7 billion).”

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