boost for the new PLP Government. The idea could mean more business for the Island. Ahmed ElAmin reports.

Bermuda could become an offshore hub for electronic commerce.

The Island is discussing the plan with the US state of Maryland.

Interest in the idea was sparked by a panel discussion featuring Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb and other Bermuda representatives.

Ms Webb said the state Maryland was interested in establishing a formal relationship with the Island to advance its ambition to be a "digital port state'', a term the jurisdiction has copyrighted.

"Maryland is looking at the possibility of establishing a relationship with Bermuda as an offshore hub for the e-commerce industry in the state,'' Ms Webb said. "Discussions are going on.'' Maryland wants to be able to provide electronic commerce services as a means of attracting more business to its thriving sea and air ports. For example, ship manifests could be authenticated and settled in Bermuda via an electronic hookup using a foreign sales corporation or Bermuda registered business.

Meanwhile, the physical goods would be distributed through Maryland.

Maryland's interest was sparked by a panel discussion held last week using Bermuda as a case study of jurisdictions for electronic commerce. Ms Webb, Bermuda lawyer Lynda Milligan-Whyte, and Logic Communications president Peter Durhager appeared in the panel discussion before about 260 government officials and legislators attending the Conference on Electronic Commerce in the States, held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ms Webb and Mrs. Milligan-Whyte appeared live by teleconference from Baltimore, where they were attending the Maryland Technology Showcase. Mr.

Durhager appeared via an Internet hookup.

Viewers brought up such issues as copyright and electronic contract recognition.

"They were keen to understand what legislative initiatives Bermuda had undertaken or was undertaking to attract e-commerce,'' Mr Durhager said.

"They were intrigued about the benefits and legitimate tax advantages for global organisations with sales outside the US.'' Bermuda's bid to launch itself into cyberspace was also boosted by Wired magazine, which ranked the Island third in the world behind Monaco and Liechtenstein as among the most saturated in terms of telecommunications media.

Wired has also cited Bermuda as the second most aggressive country in the world after the US in speeding legislation and business incentives to create Web-based industries and services.

Renee Webb