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Region by region
12
Subsidiaries continued to benefit from Group
synergies and accelerated their development in
most markets. The Group's dynamic sales strategy
promoted overall growth. Healthcare services,
launched at end 2003, got a big boost. 2004 also
was the year of the Group's first evaluation of
800 clinics and hospitals in 108 countries.
Business units worldwide furthered investments in
information technology and witnessed flourishing
e-commerce solutions.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Teamwork and commitment
The Group, which has five operations in the Asia Pacific
region – Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and Thailand,
has developed significantly in the region. Tangible proof of
this was demonstrated by how quickly and efficiently local
subsidiaries contributed to relief efforts in the wake of the
December 2004 Tsunami disaster.
Market boom in Australia
Our Australian business enjoyed consistent growth throughout
2004. Travel insurance and student healthcare services
primarily generated this growth, with e-commerce sales also
contributing to its overall strong performance. From relatively
limited turnover in 2003, e-commerce sales increased signifi-
cantly in 2004. In response to this expanded business,
Australia completely reorganised its internal platforms,
thereby greatly enhancing its visibility and control of key
deliverables.
First local contracts signed in China
2004 was also a very important year for the Group’s fledgling
operation in China. Providing roadside assistance in such
a far-reaching and virtually undeveloped environment is
challenging, and much of the year was spent developing the
internal and external infrastructures to support these services.
Our Chinese operation saw the first tangible results of its
efforts in 2004 with the signing of several local contracts.
Focus on customer base in Japan
Our Japanese entity is currently reinforcing its efforts to ensure
that it secures a solid foothold in this major market in the near
future by developing a strong client and end customer base.
Thailand and Singapore develop core operations
Mondial Assistance Thailand emerged from a start-up operation
to register encouraging growth in 2004 in both travel insurance
and roadside assistance services. A small operation,
Singapore serves the Japanese and Malaysian businesses, as
well as regional and exclusively local accounts.
AFRICA & THE INDIAN OCEAN
Healthcare services developed in Reunion Island
and Morocco
The Group’s Reunion Island operation developed a compre-
hensive claims management platform for a major bank-insurer
client. It also worked closely with local authorities, exploring
the possibility to offer customers a range of healthcare
services, and reinforced tele-assistance services for senior
citizens. Due to the closing of the Group’s Mauritius entity mid
2004, all Mauritius travel contracts were transferred to
Business units around the
world continued to develop value-
added healthcare and domestic
health services.
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Region by region