Stockholm, 22 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In a speech to Swedish business leaders and opinion makers today, president Fernando Henrique Cardoso declared that Brazil is willing to participate in the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) as long as negotiations are a two-way street. According to Cardoso, it is important for FTAA talks to include market access and non-tariff barriers, as well as the matter of tariffs.

Cardoso added that Brazilian industry is competitive in various sectors, such as textiles, footwear, steel and airplanes, which could find FTAA membership advantageous. As for agriculture, Cardoso said the subject had to be negotiated realistically. "It will not be resolved overnight, but it also cannot continue the way it is," said Cardoso, citing the problem with farm subsidies in some countries. (AB)