Aon has been given the green light to form a joint venture in China, making it one of the first foreign brokers in the country.

The move comes as China starts to open up its financial sector, as part of a deal to join the World Trade Organization.

Under the deal, Aon will form a joint venture with the state-owned China National Cereals, Oils, & Foodstuffs Import & Export Corporation.

Aon's joint venture, to be called Aon-COFCO, will be based in Shanghai and will start operations by mid-year.

The company is looking to advise and arrange insurance for its multinational clients already operating in China, then move on to offering services to Chinese companies.

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