The publication contains papers, presentations and submissions delivered at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ad hoc expert meeting focused on the experiences of the insurance sector in India, China, Africa and Guatemala to identify to widest extent possible the problems faced by developing countries. The discussions indicated that while insurance service liberalisation and globalisation can be beneficial, they have different impacts on developed and developing countries. It was complimented by deliberations and interventions made by representatives from the private sector, regulators, trade negotiators, international organizations (including the international association of insurance supervisors), academics and government representatives. It also draws on the ongoing substantive work of UNCTAD.