Brasília, 7/11/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Ministry of Labor has approved a package of 12 measures, with a total budget of R$5.3 billion, that will give the economy a boost and create 195,000 jobs around the country in the near future.

Among the measures is one that will permit young entrepeneurs enrolled in the First Job Program (Programa Primeiro Emprego) to get loans of up to R$50,000.

The measures will also make it possible for small businesses interested in exporting to get financing. At the moment, while a total of 17,000 firms are exporters, only 104 large companies export 50% of all Brazilian exports.

Minister of Labor, Jacques Wagner, reports that the measures will target young people, between the ages of 16 and 24, and other people over the age of 40. "Our objective is to increase jobs in the country," he explained.

Another measure in the program will assist small firms in the tourism sector (firms with annual revenue of up to R$5 million).

The building sector will get special attention. Loans will be made to low-income borrowers so they can purchase building material. Loans will also be available to civil construction firms for revitalization of urban centers and historical sites. This latter initiative is expected to create 20,000 jobs.

Loans will also be made for the purchase of new or used homes.

Next week the ministry will announce a new professional training program with budget that could reach R$186 million. (AB)