The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP. MP., led a Bermuda delegation to the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and Ireland during the period 3rd to 11th September, 2024, for a series of high-level meetings and events to strengthen relationships, and to advance Bermuda's interests as a leading international business jurisdiction.
In London, the Premier and delegation met City of London leadership, engaged with Lloyd's of London representatives, and attended a senior-level event hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, underscoring Bermuda's role in global (re)insurance and climate finance.
In Brussels, meetings focused on regulatory cooperation and tax policy. The Premier and delegation held meetings with officials from the European Commission, including DG FISMSA and DG TAXUD, the EU Council's Code of Conduct Group, and the UK Mission to the EU. The Premier also participated in ABIR's Annual International Insurance Regulatory Dialogue, including a "seaside chat" with industry leader Stephen Catlin. The Premier also co-hosted the the opening reception, which marked the fifth anniversary of the Government of Bermuda's Office in Brussels.
In Paris, meetings with OECD tax officials addressed the implementation of Bermuda's Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Regime for qualifying multinational groups effective 1st January, 2025. The Premier also met with AXA's global leadership to discuss the Bermuda market, and continued partnership. While in Paris, the Premier also attended the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games to support Bermuda's paralympians.
In Dublin, the Premier and delegation met with Insurance Ireland to deepen collaboration between the Irish and Bermudian insurance sectors. A meetings was also held with representatives from Ireland's Ministry of Finance, including Emma Cunningham, Director-General for European and International Affairs, and senior officials on climate, tax, insurance and European relations. The Premier then presented the Ireland Ministry of Finance with a Bermuda cedar tray in appreciation of the ongoing partnership between our two jurisdictions.
The Premier paid a courtesy call on the Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House to discuss the ongoing work in Dublin regarding open data, housing and regeneration.
The visit reinforced Bermuda's reputation as a trusted, well-regulated financial centre, advanced regulator--to-regulator engagement with EU institutions, and strengthened relationships with key industry partners and European stakeholders.