Premier Ewart Brown's trip to the halls of the United States Congress this week could pave the way for new business partnerships between Bermudian and American companies, particularly construction firms.

Over the past two days Premier Brown has met with a long list of US Congress people, mostly members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Premier Brown said after a series of meetings yesterday: "It was about broadening the relationship between the US and Bermuda and especially through the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, making linkages available to Bermudians who may want to, for example, bid on a large construction project in Bermuda and just don't have enough to do it on their own.

"But through through linkages with American companies they could very well qualify."

Yesterday's meetings included Representative Charles Rangel of New York who chairs the country's influential finance committee called Ways and Means.

If there was ever to be a legislative change on tax treaties that effect Bermuda, Chairman Rangel would play a critical role.

The Premier said: "He's clear on our interest in preserving our reinsurance industry and he again repeated his commitment to help Bermuda wherever he can."

Although it seemed nothing is solidified yet Mr. Rangel and his office are part of the discussion on potential business partnerships across the Atlantic.

Premier Brown said: "I'm relying on these Congress people to help us identify companies that would be interested in linking up with Bermudians in order to qualify for major projects."

The Premier suggested the desire to produce these kinds of deals was already present, but no one has moved on it yet.

He said: "Bermudians have been reluctant or unaware that these linkages can occur.

"For example there's a construction company that built the Atlanta airport that could have an interest in building a hotel in Bermuda, but there would have to be a linkage between a Bermudian contractor and an overseas contractor and then together they could bid for a large job."

Premier Brown talked to The Royal Gazette by telephone from his Washington DC hotel last night as he prepared to host Bermudian university students studying in the area.

This is the first Washington DC trip for Dr. Brown as Premier, but he pointed out he was no stranger to members of Congress.

He said: "I've known these people and now its time for me to cement the relationships in the name of Bermuda.

"And this is what we're doing on this trip so when we need help we've already established the friendships."