An estimated 45-strong delegation from Bermuda is descending on New York this week for what's being called the first electronic commerce conference devoted to the offshore world.

Bermuda will be attempting to show that while on the Internet everyone may look equal, but it's the delivery of service that counts. The delegation will be under heavy competition from other offshore centres in marketing Bermuda as a location for doing electronic commerce.

Offshore E-Commerce Conference organisers said Friday that the Turks and Caicos Islands was sending down a delegation of about 30. The Turks and Caicos had even hooked up a live feed for members of their delegation who couldn't get into the sold-out conference hall.

Premier Jennifer Smith, Finance Minister Eugene Cox, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Renee Webb, and Development, Opportunity & Government Services Minister Terry Lister are going to New York as part of the push to highlight Bermuda's electronic commerce advantages. And 16 companies, including Appleby Spurling & Kempe, Bermuda Stock Exchange and Cable & Wireless, have come together to sponsor a Bermuda booth at the three-day conference which opens Wednesday.

"Bermuda offers all the advantages that e-commerce companies are looking for and more,'' Ms Webb said. "No other international domicile offers the regulatory environment, technical infrastructure and professional services support that Bermuda does. Several e-commerce companies have already recognised the benefits that Bermuda offers and have decided to do business here. The key now is to continue to get the good news out.'' The Bermuda International Business Association will be involved in a round table breakfast discussion on Thursday, and will be hosting a cocktail reception and dinner at which Premier Smith will speak at the same day.

"The New York conference is a prime example of BIBA's role as a facilitator in the development of e-commerce in Bermuda,'' BIBA deputy chairman Raymond C.

Medeiros said.

Arthur Sculley, president of Sculley Brothers and chairman of the Bermuda Stock Exchange will be the guest speaker. About 200 people are attending the conference at the Millennium Hotel near Times Square.

In a press release Ms Webb outlined what she would be telling delegates who attended the Bermuda sponsored events.

"The Island has a highly-developed telecommunications infrastructure, an extensive array of e-commerce service provider and an unparalleled strategic location at the crossroads of North America and Europe. With world class legislation in place, our central priority now is to make the Island a top-of-mind choice for the upcoming generation of e-commerce entrepreneurs.'' She added the Island is the only jurisdiction in the world to devote an entire government department to e-commerce.

The conference is being sponsored by First Atlantic Commerce (Bermuda) Ltd.

Bermuda advantage: Minister of Telecommunication and E-commerce Renee Webb BUSINESS BUC