Singapore and Vientiane, 24 April 2009 – Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (“MSIG”) announced today that it has entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (“MOF Lao PDR”) to establish a joint venture company to offer a range of general insurance products across business and personal lines in Lao PDR.

The joint venture will be known as MSIG Insurance (Lao) Company, Limited (“MSIG Lao”), with an initial paid-up capital of US$2,000,000. MSIG Holdings (Asia) Private Limited (“MSIG Asia”), MSIG’s regional holding company in Asia, will own a 51% equity stake while MOF Lao PDR will own the balance 49%. MSIG Lao will be located in Vientiane, Lao PDR and is expected to commence operations shortly.

Commenting on the agreement, Atsushi Yagi, CEO of MSIG Asia said, “We are pleased to be selected by the Lao Ministry of Finance as a partner to provide general insurance solutions in the burgeoning Lao market. This agreement underpins MSIG’s strength and leadership in the general insurance industry in Asia.”

“MSIG has a long-term commitment to developing markets in Indochina and contributing actively to its economic growth. Our strong network in the region, including operations in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, will be bolstered with the addition of MSIG Lao.”

For further information, please contact:

Jason Soh, Angela Ling
MSIG Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Tel: +65 6827 2828
Email: jason_soh@msig-asia.com, angela_ling@msig-asia.com

Pany Saignavongs
The Society Corporation
Tel: +856 21 242800
Email: pany@societycorporation.com

About MSIG Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd.:

MSIG Asia is one of three holding companies for MSIG around the world and has operations in markets such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

A leading provider of general insurance solutions for more than 100 years, MSIG currently operates in over 40 markets in Asia Pacific, United States and Europe, of which 16 are in Asia. MSIG has total assets of more than USD 83.9 billion, as at March 2008, and has received strong financial ratings, including an AA financial strength rating from Standard & Poor’s, an Aa３ financial strength rating from Moody’s Investors Service and an A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.

MSIG Asia is based in Singapore and helmed by CEOs Alan J. Wilson and Atsushi Yagi.