Rio, November 24, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of Science and Technology, Roberto Amaral, proposed that the countries of Latin America form a technological and scientific cooperation bloc, to strengthen the position of the continent in its commercial relations and reduce technological dependence on more advanced countries.

The Minister's proposal was made yesterday (23) at the opening of the seminar "Mercosur, Science, Technology, and Innovation," at the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), in Rio.

The seminar is sponsored by the Ministry in partnership with the BNDES. (DAS)