The impact of global policies on the ICT industry will be the focus for a conference hosted by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce at the Fairmont Southampton later this year.

The Global Public Policy Summit (GPSS), which is being held by the Chamber's Business Technology Division between November 1 and 3, is a flagship event of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a consortium of more than 67 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world.

The event is expected to be attended by more than 300 senior executives, government officials and policy makers across the globe.

Ronnie Viera, chairman of the Chamber's Business Technology Division, said: "In partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, the Chamber is most pleased to be organising and hosting this international conference.

"It is an important opportunity for ICT companies to discuss policy that affects the ICT industry with both policy makers in governments and business leaders and we are very proud that Bermuda was chosen for 2009."

The chosen theme of the summit is 'Business Technology: An Enabler in Your Economy', with topics to be discussed by internationally-recognised ICT professionals in academic circles, governments and business, including enlightened ICT Policy enabling economic recovery, policies that promote resilient and secure technology infrastructures and protect the privacy of personal data in conflict with policies that encourage economic expansion and proposed Internet governance policies on the stability, security and private sector leadership of the Internet dampening economic recovery and expansion.

GPPS, which started in 1999, is organised by the WITSA member in a different country every two years, this year for the first time taking the more open forum with panel discussions and conclusions to be considered by WITSA and the global ICT community for further reflection, action or discussion.

"We are privileged to have as a Pinnacle sponsor for GPPS 2009 the KeyTech Group of Companies and of course the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce as our partner in this venture, who have both shown such vision in recognising the importance of this summit to the island," said Mr. Viera.

"In addition, the following companies have committed resources and energy to ensure that the event will be a success: North Rock Communications, Bacardi Limited, Gateway Systems, and Capital G along with many other local companies who see the need to foster constructive discussion on the future of the ICT industry and the Public Policies that affect it with Bermuda seated at the table.

"Global international businesses also see the value of this bi-annual exchange of information and collaboration with Governments and Google, Symantec, NCR, and Microsoft have provided funds to allow us and WITSA to host this event in Bermuda.

"We urge local and international business in Bermuda to take the opportunity that has been presented by the Chamber of Commerce, Business Technology Division to attend what will prove to be a real once in a lifetime chance to participate in the first WITSA Global Public Policy Summit."

Michael Scott, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-commerce, said: "I sincerely hope that Bermuda's private and public sectors will participate in the summit, share the Bermuda story and interact with delegates from many other jurisdictions."