Cathay Life Insurance, Taiwan's largest life insurer, plans to form a life insurance venture with China Eastern Airlines, tapping the distribution network of the nation's third-largest carrier.
The RMB 800 million venture is awaiting mainland regulatory approval and would be half-owned by each partner.
Premium income for mainland life insurers surged 45% to RMB 305.3 billion (US$36.9 billion) in 2002.