Rio, June 10, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Today, the president of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), Eduardo Eugênio Gouvêa Vieira, defended the economic measures adopted by the Federal Government. He called for unity among Federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as the private sector, based on an understanding that "the partnership between public and private is the key to the country's economic growth."

Addressing Presidential Chief of Staff, Minister José Dirceu, who participated in the Firjan ceremony, Gouvêa Vieira repeated what, in his words, he told the Minister of Finance, Antônio Palocci: "With this level of tax burden, lack of infrastructure, and interest rates the way they have been in recent years, we are forced to recognize that to be an entrepreneur in Brazil is to be a hero. The difference, Minister, is that Rio's entrepreneurs are conscientious heros. We desire growth, but we refuse to admit the return of inflation."

According to Gouvêa Vieira, the business class of Rio de Janeiro is perfectly aware that the Administration is on the right course. (DAS)