increased by 43 percent over last year, Hamilton Rotarians were told yesterday.

Chairman of the local awareness committee of the Bermuda International Business Association, Norris Ebbin, said that 67 companies and organisations have subscribed to sponsorship in the event at the City Hall car park.

This year's Expo, he said, will have 53 companies -- a 51 percent increase -- demonstrating their role in Bermuda's international business through the use of booth exhibits.

They include the Island's most visible international insurance and reinsurance companies, such as ACE Ltd., Exel Ltd., Centre Solutions Bermuda Ltd. and PartnerRe Ltd.

Mr. Ebbin said, "We are very grateful for the participation of international companies, not just in terms of Expo 1998, but the entire local awareness programme.'' This is the second year for the international business expo and the first time that the event has been stretched into a week of observance.

Apart from the Saturday Expo, last night's public forum (see Page 2) at St.

Paul's Centennial Hall was a key highlight of the planned week.

Tonight BIBA supports the tourism industry through the Visitor Industry Partnership and the Bermuda Hotel Association during Harbour Nights with a quiz competition underlining the connection between tourism and international business.

BUSINESS BUC