Bermuda will present a stronger than usual contingent at this year's FSC (Foreign Sales Corporation) Conference in Florida.

Six representatives have been confirmed so far for the annual event, but three more may still join.

However, the Island still has some catching up to do with premier jurisdictions such as Barbados or the US Virgin Islands which usually average a 25-person group.

In total, roughly 250 attendees from service providers, law and accounting firms, banks, and those hoping to establish FSCs are expected to attend the conference in Naples, Florida.

FSCs allow US exporters to receive tax exemptions on profits on exported goods. The facility is also used in leasing transactions with manufactured equipment such as aircraft and turbine engines.

Donald Malcolm, secretary of the local FSC Association, described the upcoming event as "the major conference'' to attend in order to push Bermuda to the forefront of the very competitive market as a total package jurisdiction.

And chairman Mark Moffat admitted: "Bermuda is not a major player. But you become a major player by promoting yourselves and offering your services.'' "Obviously we provide the best services available. It's a matter of inducing the FSC players to bring the corporations to the Island,'' he continued.

The Association hopes to build upon the Island's successful "stranglehold'' in using FSCs in aircraft and asset finance leasing, said Mr. Malcolm.

And he added: "This is something that Uncle Sam smiles upon. You don't have to worry too much about who's coming in because it's clean business. These are companies that are already paying taxes in the US.

"...It's not as if it's a commodities trader coming in who might go belly up or something like that and embarrass the Island. I think that's one of the reasons the Ministry of Finance has supported us so well.'' The conference runs from Sunday to Wednesday.