A new body to forge Bermuda?s approach to e-business will have its first meeting next week.

The Information Age Forum (IAF) is one of the recommendations outlined in the Ministry?s E Business Green Paper published in May 2003.

The Minister of Tourism, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Renee Webb will launch it. She said: ?This forum will provide an opportunity for those in Government and the IT and telecommunications sectors to discuss e-business and telecommunications issues from an operational and strategic standpoint.

?The idea of the forum is to ensure we get together as a group on a regular basis so we understand the developments and challenges we each face, and we can pool our resources and work together to enhance our e-business offering on the island.?

The IAF will:

debate operational issues in the e-business and telecommunications environment;

consider new procedures to further enhance Bermuda?s reputation as a leading e-business destination;

consider opportunities for promoting Bermuda?s position as an e-business destination;

make recommendations for legislation that would assist Bermuda-based companies attract more e-business to the island and consider initiatives to encourage Bermudians into the field of e-business.

The IAF will meet four times a year, with an Executive Committee meeting more frequently as necessary.

Senior executives from the IT, hosting, telecommunications and payment processing sectors, lawyers and representatives from the Electronic Commerce Advisory Board (ECAB), Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce (BCC) have been invited to the inaugural meeting of the Forum on Wednesday, May 5 from 5-7pm at Waterloo House.

A member of the Government?s marketing team will sit on the IAF to ensure the team is up to date with developments in the industry, and to provide strategic marketing recommendations for the island as an e-business destination.

E-Commerce consultant Nigel Hickson says: ?We?re looking forward to a successful launch of this important forum for discussion on all issues relating to information and communication technologies.

?I will be sharing feedback from media and analyst meetings that I am having in New York this week and our marketing team will have an opportunity to present their plans to the IAF.?

Director of Telecommunications William Francis says: ?As the industry continues to develop at a rapid pace, we will use these forums to gather and disseminate information to ensure all stakeholders are involved in an ongoing discussion about current issues.

?This will be useful to the Ministry as we consider future legislation.?

Anyone interested in attending the Information Age Forum should contact Troncossi Public Relations on 292-5838 or email on Amandatroncossi.bm