Manulife-Sinochem earns top government honor for excellence in China

SHANGHAI, March 30 /CNW/ - Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Company (MSL or Manulife-Sinochem) was honored with an award for excellence for 2009 by China's top government body. At the recommendation of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), MSL received an "Excellent Organization" award from the State Council National Economic Census Commission - the only foreign life insurance company to earn this prestigious recognition.

"We are delighted with this recognition, and particularly the outstanding support and encouragement that we have received from CIRC," said Marc Sterling, Chairman of Manulife-Sinochem. "As the only foreign-invested life insurer to be so honored, this award highlights MSL's progress at meeting the needs of Chinese consumers."

The award stems from MSL's outstanding performance in a National Insurance Industry Economic Census review.

In 1996, Manulife-Sinochem became the first joint-venture insurance company licensed in China. Today, Manulife-Sinochem has over 11,000 professionally trained agents and employees, and provides financial and insurance services to over 500,000 customers in 41 cities across China.

About Manulife-Sinochem

Manulife-Sinochem is a joint venture company between Manulife (International) Limited and the China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Company (a member of the Sinochem group). It was the first Chinese-foreign joint-venture life insurance company established in China. Manulife-Sinochem began operations in November 1996. To date the Company has more than 11,000 professionally trained agents and employees, providing financial and insurance services to over 500,000 customers. The Company is developing steadily in more than 40 cities. With more than 13 years' successful experience, Manulife-Sinochem is committed to offering comprehensive insurance products combined with excellent customer service and professionalism.

Manulife-Sinochem can be found on the internet at www.manulife-sinochem.com

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn $440 billion (US$420 billion) as at December 31, 2009.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

About Sinochem

China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Company (FOTIC) is a core enterprise of Sinochem. Sinochem is an important state-owned enterprise in China, with primary focus in the sectors of agriculture, energy, chemicals, finance and real estate. It is also one of the four largest state-owned oil companies in China and the largest fertilizer provider that manufactures, distributes and markets all varieties of fertilizers. Sinochem has been listed among the Fortune Global 500 companies 19 times and ranked 170th in 2009.

Sinochem can be found on the Internet at www.sinochem.com.

    
    Notes to editors:
    (1) Sources: http://www.tj.gov.cn/
    

For further information: Media Contact: David Paterson, Manulife Financial, [phone], [email protected]; Laurie Lupton, Manulife Financial, [phone], [email protected]; Lillian Li, Director, PR & Branding Dept., Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Tel.: [phone] ext. 8609, Fax: [phone], [email protected]