The PLP has launched a campaign to woo Bermuda's international business leaders.

Party chiefs have been staging a series of talks with bosses of foreign firms.

And one company boss revealed the Opposition stressed it appreciated the value of international business.

The PLP said it would maintain the "status quo'' if in power, said Mr. Graham Brice, president of International Risk Management.

Among the PLP delegation are party leader Mr. Frederick Wade, Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox, and campaign chairman Mr. Terry Lister.

Yesterday the trio were tight-lipped about the discussions.

But they denied the talks were part of a pre-election campaign to allay fears about a Progressive Labour Party Government.

The party will be making an announcement on the talks -- probably at the end of the month.

Mr. Wade said the party was in the middle of a "programme'' of meetings with international businessmen.

"It is part of an ongoing programme, and is nothing to do with public relations, or canvassing. We are not looking for votes.'' Mr. Wade said the PLP had met with different sectors of the community over the years.

It had, for instance, met union leaders last year, and also held discussions with hotel chiefs.

"We are really just touching base. It is a communications exercise, and establishing dialogue. We will make a statement in a few weeks.'' Mr. Cox said: "There is nothing secret in what we are doing. Over the years we have tried to make contact with people in international business.'' Mr. Lister, an accountant, is one of the PLP's key spokesmen on financial affairs, playing a prominent part in the recent Budget.

"We are going around visiting people, and hopefully at the end of the month we will make some announcement.'' International Risk Management representatives, including Mr. Brice and former president Mr. Don Westmoreland, met with the PLP delegation on Wednesday.

Mr. Brice said he welcomed the "pro-active'' stance taken by the party in coming forward.

"I think one has got to admire them,'' he said.

Mr. Brice said the party stated it recognised and valued the importance of international business as a money-spinner for Bermuda.

As much as 50 percent of Bermuda's gross revenue is generated by exempt firms.

And should the PLP form a Government it wanted to maintain the "status quo'', said Mr. Brice.

"They hoped there wouldn't be a flight of capital and companies out of the Country''.

Mr. Adolf Luttke, chairman of the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said he was aware some of his members had been contacted by the PLP.

But he added: "I don't know who met, and with whom.'' Mr. Luttke said his organisation favoured an "open door'' policy, and welcomed dialogue with all parts of the community.