The electronic commerce conference in New York this week will be used to promote Bermuda as the first choice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, according to Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Renee Webb.

Ms. Webb will be travelling to New York to the Offshore E-Commerce Conference with the Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Eugene Cox to promote Bermuda as the place of the future in e-commerce.

An estimated 35-strong delegation from Bermuda is expected to arrive today to attend what is considered to be the first electronic commerce conference devoted to the offshore world.

Speaking yesterday Ms. Webb said: "Bermuda is the natural choice for e-commerce business. The Island boasts a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure and is home to an extensive array of e-commerce service providers.

"It also boasts a sensible regulatory climate, a highly skilled, well-educated work force and a solid reputation as a secure and well-administered jurisdiction.

"Finally, Bermuda is strategically positioned at the crossroads between Europe and North America.'' It was originally hoped the Premier Jennifer Smith would be able to attend, but due to prior engagements she will not be able to travel to New York. She will be represented by the Deputy Premier.

Sixteen companies, including Appleby Spurling & Kempe, Bermuda Stock Exchange and Cable & Wireless have come together to sponsor a Bermuda booth at the three-day conference which opens tomorrow.

Ms Webb said: "We are excited about the e-commerce conference because it will give us an opportunity to highlight all the advantages that Bermuda offers to international business.'' The trip is being co-ordinated by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA), who have brought together local e-commerce companies and professional service providers to form the delegation.

"Our mission in New York is a simple one: to promote Bermuda as a leading e-commerce jurisdiction,'' said BIBA deputy chairman Raymond Medeiros.

"Our activities at the conference will include an interactive booth in the exhibit area, a media briefing and scheduled interviews with select target publications and a dinner event with industry professionals.

"Bermuda offers all of the advantages that e-commerce companies are looking for and more. No other domicile offers the regulatory environment, technical infrastructure and professional services support that Bermuda does.

"It seems as though each day more and more e-commerce companies are jumping on the Bermuda bandwagon. Our job in New York will be to continue to get the good news out.'' The BIBA will be involved in a round table breakfast discussion on Thursday and a dinner on the same evening which has already attracted nearly 100 delegates. Ms Webb said: "The conference will give us the opportunity to reinforce our central message that Bermuda Means Business, especially when it comes to e-commerce.'' The conference is being sponsored by First Atlantic Commerce (Bermuda) Ltd.

Bright future: Bermudian delegates prepare to travel to New York for the Offshore E-Commerce Conference. From left, BIBA deputy chairman Raymond Medeiros, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Renee Webb and Logic Communication's Peter Durhager.

BUSINESS BUC