Bermuda Investment Climate Statement 2015

Bermuda is a British Island territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The government of Bermuda (GOB) welcomes foreign direct investment (FDI). Bermuda's economy is almost wholly dependent on FDI which derives primarily from the influx of international businesses - principally insurance, reinsurance, and financial services - with a small contribution from tourist sector. In the mid-1990s, foreign investment overtook tourism and this became Bermuda's economic foundation. In 2013 it contributed to approximately 85 percent of the total GDP, compared to tourism's 5.2 percent.Bermuda's has entered into its seventh straight year of economic recession. In 2013, the GDP was at USD 5.6 billion, or USD 4.7 billion after adjusting for inflation, down 2.5 percent from 2012. Continued job losses and business closures have affected the overall economy. According to the National Economic Report, Bermuda's GDP may have contracted by 0.0-1.5 per cent in 2014. For 2015, the GOB has predicted a GDP growth in the range of 0.0 percent to 1.5 percent, while all other indicators seem to foresee another year of recession. In February 2015, the GOB announced that it would borrow another USD 125 million to cover its current fiscal budget; in addition to the USD 800 million it borrowed in 2013 to cover deficits for 2014-16 period.Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Bermuda's A+ rating with a stable outlook in May 2015. It said Bermuda's ratings are supported by its "high income, consistent current account surpluses and strong net external creditor position," along with its sophisticated legal system, strong regulatory framework, simple tax regime, proximity to the U.S., and skilled human capital which, it said, will allow Bermuda to continue to compete as a domicile for re/insurance and financial services companies.The GOB has not yet implemented its 2014 plan to privatize, mutualize (a form of privatization in which employees are shareholders), and/or outsource non-core government functions. The GOB signed an exclusive agreement with the semi-public Canadian Commercial Corporation to build a new USD 200 million airport terminal pursuant to a public-private partnership to be financed by future airport revenues.Bermuda's investment climate presents a series of advantages for potential investors including a stable, democratic government; low personal and corporate taxes; a pool of skilled professionals; proximity to the U.S.; and extensive air and communication networks. Its currency, the Bermuda dollar (BMD), is pegged par to the USD.As part of a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda's legal system is grounded in UK common law. Its legal, regulatory and accounting systems adhere to high ethical and transparency standards. It generally effectively and impartially enforces its laws to combat corruption and money laundering.Bermuda law recognizes and enforces secured interests in real property. The GOB's policies facilitate the free flow of financial resources in the product and factor markets, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recognizes the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) as a Designated Offshore Securities Market. There is a general awareness of responsible business conduct among both producers and consumers. There were several strikes and non-violent, labor-related marches on Parliament during 2014 and 2015.