could be reached with Government over proposed new restrictions on work permits.

David Ezekiel, the chairman of the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said that if necessary, both sides should approach the subject with a blank sheet.

He said he was encouraged by Government assurances that it wants dialogue and added it was important to dispel "misconceptions'' about the way international business operates.

Eight representatives of the Chamber, the International Companies Division, Bermuda International Business Association, Bermuda Employers Council and the Bermuda Hotel Association met yesterday to discuss the issue.

In January, Government announced draft proposals to restrict work permits to six years, with an additional three year extension for key staff.

The international business community warned the restrictions could make it difficult to recruit key personnel which are vital for success.

Mr. Ezekiel struck a conciliatory tone after the meeting yesterday, saying there would need to be intense discussions with Government because the deadline for consultation is March 31.

But added: "We certainly think there is a very reasonable middle ground. It was our first discussion on the consultation document and it went very well.

"We are hoping to get some sort of consensus from the group and I think we will because we are all on the same page.

"We are not simply looking at what is new, but also the way it has always been done -- the entire process...

"We fully understand Government's intentions to protect the interests of Bermudians and to respond to their aspirations, and that centres on upward mobility -- it's not as if there's a vast pool of unemployment.

"It centres on people and how they advance through our companies. We want to exhibit that that's on the front page for all of us already.

"We want to see internationl business being allowed to operate, being allowed to be successful in order to provide the sort of jobs we have.

"The more successful we are, the more successful Bermudians and ex-pats are.''