By Yifan Wang

AIA Group Limited has approval to start operations in the central province of Hubei, the latest step in the insurer's bid to step up its business expansion in China.

The Hong Kong-listed insurance company said it got the go-ahead from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission's Hubei Bureau to start businesses in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei.

"Hubei province has a population of nearly 60 million and is one of the key economic growth engines for mainland China," said Fisher Zhang, AIA China's Chief Executive.

Write to Yifan Wang at yifan.wang@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-14-21 2244ET