Bermuda has been highlighted in a special supplement of a leading European business publication dedicated entirely to the Island.

L'agefi, the Swiss business and finance daily, has published a glossy 48 page magazine which details everything a company would want to know to set up shop on the Island.

The magazine has articles on the regulatory framework, the stock exchange, e-commerce, insurance, funds, trusts, business and finance and finally tourism.

In fact the publication is so complimentary to Bermuda and comprehensive in its coverage of the latest business issues that Telecommunications and E-commerce Minister Renee Webb has ordered extra copies to distribute at international fairs. The opening editorial by Susan Jacquet states: "One might say that, while Bermuda certainly has the `youthful good looks' to attract visitors and entrepreneurs involved in several spheres of activities, it far more importantly has the experience and brains to complement this extraordinary innate beauty and ensure a deeper more lasting appeal.'' The editorial also highlights the huge gamut of opportunities for business on the Island.

Ms Jacquet said: "The island is endowed with a state-of-the-art legislative and regulatory framework that prides itself with keeping abreast of and even anticipating market trends and requirements.

Bermuda takes spotlight "This determination to preserve the quality of control is especially striking in terms of the powers granted to the Bermuda Monetary Authority, as well as the recently enacted pioneering Electronic Transactions Act which will make Bermuda an excellent platform for the challenges of the blossoming e-commerce sector.'' The editorial continues: "No newcomer to the world of finance, Bermuda has built up a breadth and depth of expertise as a reliable offshore jurisdiction over several decades.

"Despite this well-entrenched background, it still provides a dynamic and ebullient environment which is inherently conducive to innovation in various fields of business. This is particularly true of insurance where Bermuda's `research and development' work has earned it the justifiable title of the `World's insurance laboratory'.'' It adds that companies coming to the Island will find an appropriate infrastructure, experienced firms and business professionals to serve all potential business needs such as lawyers, accountants, trust and fund specialists and investment managers.

It also praises long term planning to train Bermudians to fill top jobs and schemes for education and `professional enrichment courses'.

"Last but far from least, Bermuda boasts a longstanding and consistent history of mutual understanding and cooperation between government and industry with organisations such as the Bermuda Advisory Committee or the International Business Forum playing a key role in fostering the effective team work.'' There are nine pages dedicated to e-commerce. There is a two-page in-depth analysis of the Electronic Transaction Act, a double page spread on the legislative background for e-commerce and its explosion on the island, and another on the globalisation of markets and how the Government has embraced e-commerce.

Extra copies: Telecoms Minister Renee Webb BUSINESS BUC