British insurer Aviva says sales boosted by Asia growth

LONDON: Aviva, the biggest British insurer, said Wednesday that its life and pension sales jumped 11 percent in 2008 compared with a year earlier, boosted by strong growth in Asia.

"In a year of unprecedented turbulence, our sales have continued to grow," chief executive Andrew Moss said in a statement.

"Growth in developing economies such as Asia and central and eastern Europe has offset difficult conditions in more mature markets such as Ireland and Italy.

"Our capital position remains strong and Aviva continues to be attractive to customers seeking security for their long-term savings," Moss added.