CDF Voice｜Manulife’s Roy Gori: China's modernization provides opportunities for foreign companies

The “CDF Voice” column aims to bring together business leaders and convey the voices of the forum delegates.

Since its launch in 2000, CDF have upheld its mandate of “Engaging with the world for common prosperity”.

At present, the economic recovery is still fragile, and the impact of the COVID-19 and geopolitical crisis is continuing. Although China’s economic recovery is improving, lackluster demand, slow recovery in labor market and global supply chain adjustments and other pressures are still present.

The world is experiencing unprecedented change, how do foreign enterprises in China view China's development? How can foreign enterprises grasp the opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market? What insights do they have about China's future economic recovery and social development?

As the 2023 annual meeting of the China Development Forum is about to be held, the "CDF Voice" column invites representatives of global enterprises to discuss the above topics.

The guest of CDF Voice today is Roy Gori，President & CEO of Manulife.

Ni hao! Hello everyone! I’d like to wish you all a happy and prosperous year of the Rabbit.

The Rabbit is seen as a symbol of intelligence, agility, and longevity in traditional Chinese culture, and these are inspiring characteristics to live by. We have entered 2023 with energy and optimism.

As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s modernization offers many opportunities for foreign companies around the world, including ours.

At Manulife, we recognize the importance of China and Asia to Manulife’s global business, having sold our first policy in Shanghai in 1897. Since then, we’ve celebrated the 26th anniversary of Manulife-Sinochem, the first foreign joint venture life insurance company in China.

And in those 26 years, we have expanded our footprint to more than 50 cities across China, developing successful partnerships with local government, businesses, and universities.

At the end of 2022, we also became the first foreign asset manager to convert its joint venture into a 100 percent-owned public fund management company in mainland China. This further demonstrates Manulife’s strong conviction and long-term commitment to the region.

Looking ahead, we are committed to building a sustainable business in China by making decisions easier and lives better for the Chinese people.

The China Development forum is a great platform and opportunity to build strong partnerships, understanding, cooperation, and trust. I look forward to meeting old and new friends during the sessions this year and I wish you all an enjoyable and inspiring experience. Thank you. xiè xiè!