Rio, January 20, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The new president of the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), Carlos Lessa, affirmed that he will strive to recover the "D" for Development, which disappeared over the past 10 years, when the BNDES was more interested in business and privatizations. According to him, during this period the country neither grew nor generated employment. He also assured that there will be no breaking of contracts while he is in office. The BNDES will give priority to economic development, on behalf of social inclusion.

Lessa also declared that the BNDEs will work together with Petrobras, in order for Brazil to produce items that are currently imported. (DAS)