Brasília, November 18, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Today Brazil and 12 other countries will participate in a seminar on competitivity in Washington, sponsored by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB). Brazil will present a report on its competitivity forums which bring together government representatives, businessmen and workers in an effort to eliminate problems in the productive chain. Reginaldo Arcury, secretary of Production Development, will represent Brazil. He says that with the competitivity forums decisions to improve cotton seeds, for example, will have an effect on clothing made of cotton, sold domestically and abroad, with the result that income and jobs will be created.

Arcury also says that the competitivity forums could be installed throughout the Mercosur economic block. He said their existence will make it easier for the next government to make Brazil even more competitive. (AB)