dozen business journalists in New York last week. The meeting was hosted by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) at the Princeton Club.

Presenters provided a brief overview of specific areas and reported on relevant new trends and developments concerning international business here.

Several journalists requested follow-up interviews after what BIBA described as a "lively question and answer period.'' The most topical areas included the growth and regulatory climate surrounding Bermuda mutual funds, Bermuda's prospects as a distribution point for software and intellectual property and the emergence of Bermuda as a global player in the insurance industry.

BIBA reported that also stimulating discussion was how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) might offer new opportunities for Bermuda as an international arbitration centre and the five-fold increase in foreign sales corporations in Bermuda, in recent years.

The roundtable discussion was moderated by BIBA chairman, Mr. Cummings Zuill.

He said that he was happy the way the discussions ended.

"All of us in BIBA believe very strongly in the story that Bermuda has to tell about its competitive advantages as an international business centre. We are delighted that the Press is interested in learning more about us,'' said Mr. Zuill.

While in New York, Mr. Zuill appeared on the Bloomberg Forum and met individually with reporters from Leaders and Global Finance magazines. One interview was disseminated through Bloomberg's multi-media channels and both of the business magazines are planning articles on Bermuda later this year.

Meanwhile, Ms Jan Spiering of Kempe and Whittle and Mr. Peter Rodger of the Bank of Butterfield, who were attending the Offshore Funds conference in Manhattan were interviewed by Financial World and CNBC TV, respectively.

The roundtable discussions were planned by BIBA as part of the overseas public relations programme. It featured presentations by a panel of representatives of BIBA committees, as well as those from the insurance industry and government.

The nine person delegation included Financial Secretary, Dr. Walwyn Hughes, BIBA committee chairman on intellectual property and software, Mrs. Lynda Milligan-Whyte and committee chairman on international arbitration, Mr. Geoff Bell. Writers and editors from Time, Global Finance, Barron's, International Business, The International Herald Tribune, Black Enterprise and other publications were present.

MEETING OF THE MINDS -- BIBA mutual funds committee chairman, Mr. John Collis (left) in discussion with Mr. Matt Winkler of Bloomberg Financial News.