The Premier hopes his whirlwind trip to India will create tourism and business ties that will benefit the Island.

Dr. Ewart Brown and MP Walter Lister leave Bermuda tomorrow along with a team from the Ministry of Finance who hope to negotiate a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the Indian government. Malcolm Moller of Appleby Global will also be joining to represent Bermuda's international business sector.

The Premier said the trip was about Bermuda looking ahead its future, adding: "It makes eminent sense that Bermuda develops stronger ties to India with its huge population and rapidly growing economy."

And he said the purpose was "to put Bermuda on the radar with respect to tourism and to explore business links between Bermuda and India". During the trip they will visit Mumbai, the commercial capital of India; Chennai, the commercial capital of South India; and the nation's capital, New Delhi. Previously Bermuda International Business Association head Cheryl Packwood said she was excited about the trip and hoped a Tax Information Exchange Agreement would open up the Indian market.

The delegation will return to Bermuda on Wednesday