Business Bermuda Hong Kong Conference
Business Bermuda concluded its marketing tour of Asia to promote Bermuda’s financial services sector with the successful completion of its Annual Bermuda Financial Services Conference in Hong Kong. The event was attended by over 100 leading lawyers, accountants, and financial services executives all eager for information on doing business in Bermuda.
The conference in Hong Kong comes on the heels of Business Bermuda’s Annual Bermuda Financial Services Conferences in London on Thursday, April 7th and in Singapore on Monday, April 11th and attendance at the Shorex Wealth Management Forum in Singapore from April 12th-13th, 2011.
Bermuda has established international business relationships in Hong Kong with more than five decades of history. In Hong Kong, 400 of the listed companies on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are Bermuda companies. In Singapore, more than 110 Bermuda-based companies are listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
The conference in Hong Kong provided a comprehensive overview of the sectors represented in Bermuda’s international business industry, insight into Bermuda’s high quality of services, and the benefits of basing a business in Bermuda.
In addition to hosting Business Bermuda’s own financial services conference in Hong Kong, Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda, met with the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. A first time meeting was held between Ms. Packwood and the representative of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the organization constituting the first step in accessing companies and investments in the mainland looking for outward investment.
In Singapore, a delegation of Bermuda executives and business leaders met with the Singapore Stock Exchange, the Singapore Mercantile Exchange, and other leading sources of business.
Ms. Packwood noted, “Every year we see increased interest, from the highest levels of Hong Kong’s financial and insurance communities, in Bermuda’s services. This year was no exception. This stands as a firm testament to Bermuda’s enduring standards of quality that are recognized the world over. Bermuda is open for and ready to do business. We are well-positioned as a leader in offshore financial services.”
Greg Wojciechowski, CEO of the Bermuda Stock Exchange, joined forces with Cheryl Packwood and other prominent members of Bermuda’s business community to present on topics including: Capital Markets and the Bermuda Stock Exchange; Hedge Funds, Private Equity, and Investments; Insurance and Reinsurance; and Shipping and Aircraft.
James Watlington, Principal of Alexanders, Barristers & Attorneys, presented on Bermuda’s shipping and aircraft industries in both Hong Kong and Singapore. Mr. Watlington said, “Bermuda operates a highly efficient and well-respected registration system for both shipping and aircraft. Bermuda’s reputation for providing high quality services continues to extend around the world, and Bermuda’s shipping and aircraft industry is looking forward to continued growth and expansion.”
“Business Bermuda has worked tirelessly to promote Bermuda as the top jurisdiction for offshore business throughout Asia,” said Greg Wojciechowski, CEO of the Bermuda Stock Exchange.
He continued, “Competition between offshore jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda is notably fierce. Bermuda’s unique market is extremely attractive to the Hong Kong and Singapore business communities, and I expect that business will be brought to Bermuda as a direct result of the Bermuda Financial Services Conferences in Asia. It is vital that we maintain momentum by travelling to these markets to distinguish Bermuda as a first-class jurisdiction.”
