Porto Alegre, November 21, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Mercosur science and technology coordinators, meeting yesterday in Rio Grande do Sul, have decided that Advanced Electronic Excellence Centers (Cetec) are a strategic priority for the economic block.

It was also decided to support the Cetecs by implementing the production of quality plant remedies (Rede Fito-RS), increase income in rural areas to keep people in the countryside, and develop new methods of producing medicines. The UN has provided funding of US$1 million for the transfer of technology to agriculture. (AB)