Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, travelled to Brussels this month to promote Bermuda’s reinsurance leadership while deepening ties in trade, entrepreneurship and digitalisation.

The minister attended the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers’ 18th annual International Insurance Regulatory Dialogue on September 4 and 5, where he touted Bermuda’s role on the global stage.

He was also guest of honour at the Bermuda Government’s Brussels Office’s annual reception, hosted in partnership with Abir. Aliyyah Ahad, Bermuda’s Head of European Affairs and Policy, heads the Brussels Office.

During the visit, Mr Hayward met with senior officials from Belgium and European Union institutions, including Anne Sherriff, Britain’s ambassador to Belgium.

Discussions focused on potential collaboration in trade, youth mobility schemes and support for Bermudian entrepreneurs and creatives.

Meetings were also held with the Belgian Federal Ministry of the Middle Class, the Self-Employed and Small and Medium Enterprises; the Belgian Federal Public Service Economy; and Hub.Brussels, the city’s agency for entrepreneurship.

The trip also featured a private lunch with representatives from the European Commission and private sector stakeholders, centred on fintech and digital assets.

Mr Hayward said: “It was a pleasure to be in Brussels supporting Abir and Bermuda’s reinsurance industry, which plays an important role on the international stage. There are many untapped opportunities for partnership with the EU and Belgium that could benefit Bermuda’s international businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs. This visit marked an important step in opening new avenues for dialogue, knowledge exchange and trade.”