The Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) has lent its support to Government’s efforts to maintain and create jobs in the international business sector.In the Senate yesterday, Minister of the Economy Kim Wilson said that new positions would be realised as a result of the collective efforts of Government and industry to stimulate the growth of the international business sector.She said the economy was evolving from a labour-based economy to a knowledge based one.“We fully support Minister Wilson and the Government in their effort to search for opportunities to create jobs and grow the economy,” said George Hutchings, chairman of ABIC.“International business accounts for more than 80 percent of our economy,” he added. “But it is important to note that the jobs in this sector are international jobs - which can be located in any number of other domiciles.“Today we are fortunate that many continue to be located in Bermuda, and that approximately two thirds of them are filled by Bermudians. We need to do everything in our power to keep these jobs in Bermuda.”Mr Hutchings said that international business was a big provider of local employment, pointing to studies on the country’s recent history of employment, which concluded that guest workers were job creators and were not taking jobs away from Bermudians. He said that as and when guest worker jobs relocate to other jurisdictions, Bermudian jobs were reduced.ABIC said it understands and supports the work permit process, collaboration between Government and business to keep Bermudians employed and finding jobs for those that are unemployed, recognising that businesses needs certainty and a qualified talent pool to maintain their competitive position in a challenging economic environment. But the organisation said it was not in favour of term limits.Surveys of ABIC members have identified immigration policies and the ease and cost of doing business in Bermuda as key issues to be addressed to make Bermuda more competitive.“We are pleased that the Minister is working closely with business to make the Island more welcoming to international business, to maintain the jobs and companies that are domiciled here, and to attract new business and jobs,” said Mr. Hutchings.“Anything that can be done to manage the cost of business, and make it easier for businesses to successfully operate here should be acted on quickly.”