Rio de Janeiro, 28 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The projections of the Applied Economic Studies Institute (IPEA) for 2002 indicate a rekindling of economic activity, with a 2.5% growth of the GDP. According to the Institute, the growth will be sustained by a 2.4% increase in consumer spending, a 1.5% rise in investment, a 3.9% expansion of exports and a 2.2% increase of imports. IPEA believes this performance reflects a less rigid monetary policy, the end of electric energy rationing, and the recovery of the American economy and world trade.

In terms of sectors, IPEA is anticipating a 3.7% growth in the agricultural and livestock area and a 1.7% expansion in the industrial area. According to IPEA, the job level should grow 5/10s of a percent , while average income should drop 1.4%. IPEA believes still that the unemployment rate should rise in the 1st quarter of the year, in relation to this same period of 2001, but that the yearly average should remain unchanged in relation to last year. (MW)