XL Capital has completed the first module of its insurance leadership course for Chinese executives and regulators as it bids to show its commitment to the Chinese insurance market.

?We are very proud of the global company we have built at XL and we are very much looking forward to expanding, in due course, in China,? XL chief executive Brian O?Hara said.

On Monday XL announced the launch of the final module of an executive training and development programme for China regulators and executives.

Assistant Chairman of the Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), Yuan Li, headed the Chinese delegation visiting Bermuda last week.

?China will be one of the biggest insurance markets in the future,? Mr. Li said.

The educational initiative, known as the China Insurance Industry Executive Leadership Programme, is designed to support the development of leadership talent in the People?s Republic of China insurance industry.

?We believe this programme will lead to opportunities for growth for the Chinese insurance market and its people,? Mr. O? Hara said.

?XL has long supported education initiatives within many of the local communities in which it operates.?

?Since the opening of XL?s representative office in Beijing this year, the programme has been a tangible first step in demonstrating our commitment to a country which is fast becoming a major player in the global economy.

?We are committed to China?s long term development in the insurance industry and will continue working closely with the CIRC and our Chinese partners to help introduce international insurance theories and practice in China.?

The programme is the first Sino-foreign insurance leadership course endorsed by the CIRC to include sessions in both China and other countries.

?I am very glad that a phase of this training programme was held in Bermuda. It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our links with one of the world?s fastest growing economies,? Governor Sir John Vereker said.

The first module was a five-day programme conducted in Beijing in March, 2006 and was led by university professors, insurance scholars and executives, including XL chairman Michael Esposito and Mr O?Hara.

?As we look ahead China is a very important strategic marketplace for our company?s insurance products and we are excited by the opportunity,? Mr. Esposito said.

Twenty five of the participants of the first part of the programme are currently participating in the final component which includes a series of discussions in Bermuda, New York and Philadelphia.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate issued jointly by the CIRC and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania during a graduation ceremony on November .