Brasília, May 23, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - During the inauguration, yesterday (22), of a seminar on the Impact of Macroeconomic and Sectorial Policies on Projects of Rural Development and Poverty Reduction, the Secretary of Agricultural Policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Ivan Wedekin, emphasized the economic goals of Lula's government as regards social inclusion and the fight against hunger, for the purpose of improving income distribution and strengthening democracy in the country.

According to Wedekin, Brazil has already made great progress in coordinating the macroeconomic and sectorial policies aimed at rural development, as can be noted in the "synergy" between the current economic and social goals and the programs adopted by the federal government in partnership with multilateral organs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Participants in the event acknowledged, however, that the Mercosur should deepen this relationship, as well as expanding the projects executed by international agencies in the area of rural development. (DAS)