Government should announce specific plans “to attract a cruise ship in port in Hamilton and in St George’s”, release economic statistics on a more timely basis and extend payroll tax exemptions to start-up companies, says the Bermuda Employers Council.In a statement released yesterday, the BEC said it is hoping for a number of reforms in today’s Throne Speech.“Currently the yearly release of the GDP is ten months behind the end of each year. By then there is no useful guide for the country.“Additionally, a plan to release timely economic indicators during the year on a quarterly basis would greatly benefit an understanding of the economy and assist in decision-making,” the statement says.“Although payroll tax is a Budget item, a review promised in the Throne Speech to assist all start-up companies, whether local or international, by reducing or exempting those companies from payroll tax for 12 months would greatly assist firms in their first year, which is the most difficult for cash flow and for capital requirements.”The BEC is also hoping that the Speech will signal a review of Immigration policies with a view to enhancing Bermuda’s competitiveness.“It is disheartening to learn of the Turks and Caicos attracting significant investment in its tourism industry while we have struggled for years.“It is time to move on the Tourism Authority by promising it in the Throne Speech. We fall behind Cayman Islands in making sure the detailed conditions attached to new work permit initiatives do not put off firms making use of them.“We have to move boldly at times and at this time end term limits which have their roots in policies that are no longer valid as a reason in law.”The BEC statement added that the Government would do well to make a commitment to technical training and retraining of Bermudians and announce a plan for the upkeep of the Island’s roads.The Throne Speech, which will be read by Governor George Fergusson this morning, is a statement of the agenda for the new parliamentary session. But Premier Paula Cox has indicated that the general election will be held before the end of the year which would mean a very short parliamentary session.