As a testament to both the growth and importance of e-commerce to Bermuda, people in the industry have decided to form a special association on Island to service the global industry.

William Storie an Internet guru, announced yesterday his plans to form an professional association for those in the e-commerce business.

Mr. Storie as head of William R Storie & Co. Ltd. Bermuda and IBC USA (conferences), Inc. yesterday delivered the announcement to form International Offshore eBusiness Association.

According to Mr. Storie the Association will invite the various offshore domiciles involved in eBusiness to nominate certain delegates to sit on the Association's committee to represent their own domicile.

But he said that the representatives should be willing to discuss cross-domicile issues especially as they may be affecting the development of their eBusiness initiatives.

"It is anticipated that respective national associations, if they exist, will affiliate to the international association and provide information and discussion flow,'' Mr. Storie said.

"Discussions are already underway with several domiciles thus far and further announcements will be made in due course.''