Special lines businesses such as Agriculture, Engineering and Marine play an important role in our growth aspirations in Asia and Latin America.

A growing world population and the increasing share of wealth in Asia and Latin America are driving increases in both agricultural production and infrastructure investment in these countries. These trends present opportunities for the re/insurance industry. Swiss Re has built up the capabilities to provide tailored reinsurance solutions.

Our Agriculture reinsurance solutions address the financial risks triggered by perils such as drought, hail, flood, frost, pest and disease. Revenue covers help mitigate commodity price risk. In many less developed countries agricultural productivity is still quite low, and a lot of investment is needed to meet rising demand. We help establish and reinsure new primary insurance schemes, thus providing a financial safety net for those investments.

Our Engineering solutions address the risk of damages and financial losses from construction projects and the breakdown of technical installations. We provide reinsurance of Inherent Defects Insurance for new buildings and completed infrastructures. We expect strong growth in construction reinsurance in Asia and Latin America.

We expect growth in the Marine business from increasing transport volume from growth markets to the rest of the world (low at present due to subdued economic conditions in the developed world). Marine reinsurance addresses the physical damage and liability associated with such shipments.