São Paulo, November 18, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The PT economic advisor, Guido Mantega, said today, during the seminar "Brazil under New Management," sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce of São Paulo, that it is necessary to discuss a new work agenda for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

According to the economist, there is no time to present a list of tariffs in February, and it will only be possible to discuss the FTAA with the United States, if the Americans are willing to yield on some issues. "Brazil can't begin negotiations by giving up ground," he affirmed.

Mantega also asserted that increasing the autonomy of the Central Bank was not discussed during the electoral campaign, because there were other priorities, but it will be debated now. (DAS)