Premier to lead Bermuda delegation to Davos forum - St. Lucia News Online

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BURT

(CMC) – Premier David Burt is heading a delegation to Switzerland to attend the annual meeting of global leaders next week.

Burt said he is the only head of a British Overseas Territory to have been invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He said given “recent events” in Europe and Britain, “it is important that Bermuda take an active role in promoting our economy overseas and reminding global business leaders why Bermuda is different”.

Burt will take part in meetings and discussions on topics including technology, education and the environment.

He will be joined by Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, and Denis Pitcher, the government’s financial technology (fintech) consultant.

“We will be using this excellent opportunity to advance this government’s agenda for growth and economic diversification while we continue to promote Bermuda as a leading jurisdiction for international companies,” he told a news conference.

“We will also use the platform to meet with global companies that have Bermuda entities but currently no physical presence, to discuss our approach to economic substance and why Bermuda will be the right choice for multinational corporations to establish physical operations to meet the new global requirements.”

Burt said the Bermuda delegation would also provide information about foreign investment opportunities on the island, including in hospitality and tourism.

“The way the world does business is changing and Bermuda cannot afford to be on the side-lines. We are a well-respected financial centre and have a well-educated and eager working population, able and ready to be retrained and retooled for the jobs that can and will be moved to Bermuda.”

The forum is on from Tuesday until Friday.