Three French journalists are meeting this week with key players in the Island's financial, insurance and reinsurance industries as the Bermuda International Business Association continues a drive to raise Bermuda's profile in international markets.

The writers are representatives of influential business and financial publications Le Monde, Les Echos and L'Expansion.

BIBA also last night used a reception at La Coquille, the French restaurant at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, to allow the visiting media less formal opportunities to converse with a variety of Bermuda's business people.

BIBA sees their visit here as an important step in raising global awareness of the Island's emergence as a world leader in international business within the European Union.

Reflecting Bermuda's growing corporate links with France, it is a part of BIBA's comprehensive marketing, public relations and advertising programme.

BIBA chairman Glenn Titterton commented: "We are delighted that the French journalists are meeting with business leaders and government officials. By developing relationships with the key French media, BIBA can reach out to the business community there and raise the profile of Bermuda as a major international player.

"Their itinerary reflects the different areas in which Bermuda specialises, and should provide them with detailed and varied information about the Island.'' NEWSPAPER NJ