BDA head stresses partnership with new PLP Government
The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) has affirmed a positive partnership with the new Government of Bermuda in the BDA’s work to support Bermuda-based companies and attract new business for economic growth.
BDA CEO Ross Webber met with Minister of Economic Development & Tourism Jamahl Simmons and his Permanent Secretary Randy Rochester at Ministry headquarters on Friday July 28. Simmons was appointed in the wake of the victory of the Progressive Labour Party in the July 17 General Election.
“It was a productive meeting. The Minister was very positive about the BDA’s role,” said Webber afterwards. “We agreed on the importance of close collaboration in our work to benefit all of Bermuda.”
According to Webber the meeting included discussions about the agency’s funding, structure, and the best model for sustainability. They also talked about expanding the BDA’s regional business-development horizons to explore more geographic areas, in particular, the Middle East, China, and other parts of Asia.
“We spoke about development of Bermuda’s banking infrastructure and the need for more banking options, as well as access to seed and venture capital and angel investors,” Webber said. “Given the newly combined portfolios of Economic Development and Tourism under his Ministry, we also discussed expanding the synergies between tourism and business.”
The BDA said that the meeting also focused on its comprehensive schedule of local and overseas industry conferences, roadshows and events—and the agency’s intent to include ministerial representation on many of these to showcase the jurisdiction’s strong collaboration between government, industry and regulators. Last year, the BDA participated in a total of 62 conferences and events.
“The Minister advised we should continue unfettered, and be aggressive about getting the word out far and wide that Bermuda is indeed open for business,” Webber added.
“On behalf of our BDA team, we are grateful for the Minister’s support and very much look forward to working with him and his Ministry.”
