Bermuda has upped its bid to attract international business from Latin America after Premier Ewart Brown met with federal officials in Argentina.

During his visit to Buenos Aires, Premier Brown linked up with chief of the office of Argentina tax and revenue Claudio Moroni, vice-president of the Central Bank of Argentina Miguel Pesce, superintendent of insurance for Argentina Miguel Baelo and Argentina under-secretary of finance Juan Manuel Prada.

The Ministry of Finance has already followed up on the Premier's visit, having talks with the under-secretary of finance at the Argentine Ministry of Economy and Production, which may lead to a bilateral agreement.

"This was a good opportunity for me to let Argentine officials know about Bermuda's international business sector," said Premier Brown, who also attended a Latin American risk management conference (ALARYS) while he was there.

"Some already had the background, but others were starting from scratch. Either way, by the time the meeting was over the person on the other side of the table had a good understanding of Bermuda's regulatory environment, our tax treaty with the United States and our commitment to financial transparency with Governments around the world."

In the meanwhile, Mr. Pesce is interested in setting up a similar discussion with the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

"I want to increase the familiarity between Bermuda and Latin America - both in the public and private sector. I think that will be the key to increasing business from Latin countries."