Premier Ewart Brown will lead a trade delegation to India at the end of the week, The Royal Gazette understands.

The Premier's press secretary Arnold Minors last night confirmed Dr. Brown's upcoming trip to India. He would not provide more information, promising a press release about the trip would be issued today. However Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) head Cheryl Packwood, confirmed that a representative from her organisation had been invited to India by the Premier and representatives of the Ministry of Finance. She said the trip was scheduled for the end of the week.

The chief executive officer said she was unable to go on the trip due to illness, but was excited by the prospect of India's accessibility to Bermuda. "India is a large and promising market. It is my understanding that Bermuda hopes to conclude, eventually, an information and exchange agreement with the government, which would be an excellent opportunity for our jurisdiction. "I have been pushing for almost four years for Bermuda to commence the process to open up the Indian market. I am incredibly excited and hopeful for a positive outcome to this mission."

Ms Packwood indicated that meetings were scheduled with the Indian Ministry of Finance and several investment and insurance businesses. The Royal Gazette understands there are also possible meetings in New Delhi with the Indian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Mumbai and the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) fair are proposed stops as is a visit to the Whistling Woods Institute — Asia's largest film, television, animation and media arts organisation.

The contingent could also travel to film and entertainment service company Reliance Mediaworks.

The Royal Gazette also understands another possible stop is Bangalore where the group might attend a presentation by famed Indian heart surgeon, businessman and philanthropist, Devi Shetty.

Finally in Chennai, there are proposed meetings with India's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, business leaders, the Film Federation of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

It is understood the trade mission will span four days February 5 through 9.

Ms Packwood confirmed that BIBA has planned a separate briefing and reception at the Cricket Club in Singapore and at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong in April.

These receptions, along with the trip to India, Ms Packwood said would be beneficial to Bermuda.

She said: "Asia is a large market which has been very beneficial for Bermudian interests in the past and continues to present major opportunities going forward."

What do you think? E-mail news@royalgazette .bm.