Thousands of Bermudians of all ages are expected to flood through the doors of the third Bermuda International Business Week & Expo 2000 which officially kicked off yesterday.

Up to 6,000 are expected to pass through the doors of the City Hall car park on Saturday where more than 40 companies have taken up booths as part of a week-long schedule of activities aimed at improving links between international business and the community.

The event, which started in 1997 as an annual fair, and became biennial in 1998, has seen its sponsors increase by two-thirds since its inauguration.

The key event will be held in the City Hall Car Park and will include not only company booths, but also two cyber cafes as well as arts and crafts stalls.

In the first year, in 1997 the event attracted 6,000 visitors, but in 1998, torrential rains forced early closure and only 3,000 made it before the rains came. The Expo was not held last year as it now only happens every two years.

This year event organisers are hoping for a record turn out with a record number of sponsors taking part.

"We are hoping at least to meet the numbers from the last two year's,'' said Nina Jacobs, Local Programme Coordinator at BIBA.

She and her colleagues at BIBA have been working for six months on the venture, and expect the events to run smoothly.

Banks, accounting firms, law firms and insurance companies will be joined by advertising agencies, real estate companies, educational institutions and the police service.

Yesterday, International Business Week 2000 was officially launched by the Mayor of Hamilton, Lawson Mapp.

Mr. Mapp said he hoped that the community would gain a better understanding of international business and its role on the Island through the events.

He said: "The purpose of this week is to provide an opportunity for the community to obtain a better understanding of international business and the vital role it plays in the economy of our Island.'' He was joined at City Hall by Duane Dill, Chairman of Bermuda International Business Association's Marketing Committee, who welcomed the chance for the business community to meet with the people of Bermuda.

Expo to build partnerships Mr. Dill and Mr. Mapp said that the car park would be closed from Friday, but free parking would be available at Bull's Head Car Park instead.

Mr. Dill added: "The Expo gives the local community a chance to interact with the international business industry in a relaxed and informal environment. We look forward to continuing our efforts to educate Bermudians about the opportunities and benefits to be found in this dynamic fast growing industry by putting on a first class exposition this year.'' Togetherness: Mayor of Hamilton Lawson Mapp (left) and Duane Dill, chairman of BIBA's local marketing committee at the opening ceremony for International Business Week 2000.

BUSINESS BUC