The Bermuda Briefing Tour organised by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) begins its three-day, three-city, promotional effort a week today.

Prominent advertising in the Financial Times describes the business briefings as "an update on the world's leading insurance and reinsurance market, the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) and developments in the financial services sector''.

Led by Premier Pamela Gordon, some 50 Government and private sector representatives leave for Miami on Saturday, the first stop of the tour. The promotional tour is designed to raise awareness of Bermuda as a global player and world leader in international business.

Although organised by BIBA, the tour is actually funded by The Ministry of Finance, the Department of Tourism and the private sector.

Joining the Premier's delegation are Technology and Information Minister John Barritt and BIBA chairman Glenn Titterton.

The tour includes representatives from the insurance and reinsurance, legal and accounting, as well as banking and investment management sectors.

For the first time, representatives from the hospitality industry, telecommunications and the Bermuda Land Development Company will participate.

The Miami session is on Monday September 15, and is followed by one in New York on Tuesday and one in Chicago on Thursday. The delegation also hosts a reception in Chicago on Wednesday evening.

BIBA said in a statement: "The Briefing Tour will provide an opportunity to introduce the Premier to the North American business community and to update our target markets on the recent developments in telecommunications and other legislative developments and industry initiatives.'' Information available on BIBA's web site (www.bermuda-inc.com) maps out Monday's Miami exercise at the Biltmore Hotel with presentations made by officials of the BSX and the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

The all-day session continues an exhaustive discussion of captive insurers and, Bermuda's favourable environment for private banking and purpose trusts in corporate financing, tax and estate duty planning, as well as asset management through the use of various private trust vehicles.

Delegates will also hear about the North Atlantic's one-stop shopping for traditional insurance products as well the story of Bermuda's emergence as a commercial market, its rapid development and diversification.

There will also be discussions of The Bermuda Commodities Exchange, funds administration and alternative uses for Bermuda companies in specialised fields.

Similar presentations will be made during sessions at the St. Regis in New York and the Hotel Inter-Continental Hotel in Chicago.

BUSINESS BUC