Britain’s largest insurer, Prudential (PRU.L), aims to double the value of its 2009 new business profits in Asia by 2013, taking advantage of the region’s low penetration rates, the company said on Wednesday.

It also has targeted a doubling of its 2009 life insurance and asset management pre-tax profit by 2013, Prudential (2378.HK)(PRTL.SI) said in a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

“Our strategy is sound, and we continue to pursue it with the operating discipline that has delivered excellent results on all measures over a sustained period,” Prudential Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam said in the statement.