Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning - File

Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies and two of his key advisers are in Europe for what the ministry described as a "non-deal" roadshow to indicate that the trip is not to raise funds.

The visit to five European capitals comes two months ahead of the next reading of the national budget.

"The team will meet with investors in England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France to brief them on the performance of the economy over the past three years and the prospects for the medium term," said a finance ministry release.

The last such roadshow was in November 2003.

Jamaica's external debt was US$5.8 billion to December out of a total debt stock of J$926 billion or US$13.8 billion (US$1=J$67.15)

"This roadshow is in keeping with the GoJ debt management strategy of financial year 2006/07 in which it committed to increase transparency and predictability through regular meetings with domestic and international market players," the ministry said.

It added that European investors have been requesting such a briefing from Kingston, noting that it had been three years since the last.

Davies is accompanied by his financial secretary, Collin Bullock, and central bank governor, Derick Latibeaudiere. They return to the island on February 10.