membership restrictions opening the door to e-commerce and some international companies.

The expanded membership enables international companies who are service providers to the industry, to join BIBA as full members. Full membership allows representation at the board of directors' level and provides coverage in BIBA marketing and representations to Government on key issues related to international business.

"This fundamental change to our membership structure reflects our expanding activities, and the dynamic business environment in which we operate,'' said Raymond Medeiros, BIBA chairman."It is a natural evolution for the organisation as it continues to grow.'' BIBA made the announcement yesterday but the decision was made at a Board meeting held last Wednesday where several by-laws of the organisation had to be changed to facilitate the expansion.

Before the decision several exempt companies interested in BIBA's work were only allowed to interact very informally as associate members.

BIBA marketing director, Ross Webber, yesterday explained that full membership would be restricted to those international companies which provided professional services to Bermuda's international businesses.

"A variety of our industry partners had already expressed interest in joining BIBA as full members, most notably from the trust sector, and our existing e-commerce and telecommunications associate members,'' said Mr. Medeiros.

"They will now be able to do so, have full Board representation and enjoy benefits related to our international marketing activities,'' he continued.

Mr. Medeiros in a Press release yesterday also held that the move would complement the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce (ICD).

David Ezekiel, ICD chairman, said the expansion posed no problem to his members.

"There's always been some overlap. BIBA has always been seen as that body that represents companies that service international companies where the ICD is the body representing the International Companies themselves,'' he said.

"But as we are getting into a mode where many of the international companies see themselves as service providers, then they might feel it beneficial to join BIBA.

"It has often been said that ICD protects the environment we have, whereas BIBA do a lot of marketing and try to expand the pie,'' he said.

"Companies may want to take advantage of that marketing in getting their name out there,'' he continued.

"It is something we do not view negatively or have any substantial opinion on at all.''