2010 News Releases

Shanghai – A research report ranking the general competitiveness of Asian insurance companies in 2009 rated Manulife-Sinochem as the most competitive of all foreign-invested joint venture life insurers in China for the second year running.

The report, published February 27 by the 21^stCentury Business Herald - one of China’s most widely subscribed financial newspapers – analyzed the competitiveness of Asian insurance companies in terms of their market scale, capital capacity, adequacy of claim reserves, profitability, asset liquidity and operational stability. Manulife-Sinochem was ranked sixth among Chinese life insurance companies, up from seventh the previous year, and ranked 1^st again among the foreign life insurers in China.

The Asian insurance market was not immune from the global financial crisis, but the impact differed across different countries, regions and individual insurance companies. The crisis made customers and regulators take a closer look at the financial status and risk management capability of many insurers. Under this backdrop, the 21^st Century Business Herald and 21^st Century Financial Research Center, in cooperation with California State University at Fullerton, studied Asian life insurance companies’ competitiveness in depth for 6 months last year and produced a ranking report of their findings. The report is designed to help policyholders obtain a fuller understanding of individual insurance companies’ comprehensive strengths to help them when selecting a provider.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition, it reaffirms Manulife-Sinochem’s solid operational performance, comprehensive strength and professionalism in the Chinese insurance market. We will continue to maintain our strengths and bring excellent products and services to our customers,” said Mr. Marc Sterling, Chairman of Manulife-Sinochem.

As the first Chinese-foreign joint venture life insurance company in China, Manulife-Sinochem has over 11,000 professionally trained agents and employees providing financial and insurance services to over 500,000 customers in more than 40 cities. This objective assessment and recognition from a third party affirms Manulife-Sinochem’s financial strength, sound management and solid business foundation after 14 years of operation in the Chinese market.

About Manulife-Sinochem

Manulife-Sinochem is a joint venture company between Manulife (International) Limited and 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 it has over 11,000 professionally trained agents and employees, providing financial and insurance services to over 500,000 customers. The company is now developing in over 40 cities including Shanghai and Beijing, and in provinces including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Shandong, Fujian, Chongqing and Liaoning. With more than ten 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 customers 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 main 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.

 Media Contact

 Lillian Li
Director, PR & Branding Dept.
Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86-21-53594770 ext. 8609    
Fax: +86-21 -63620189
lillian_li@manulife-sinochem.com