Brasília - On Friday (13), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a national radio and television address commemorating the performance of the Brazilian economy in recent months. According to the President, there is no questioning the fact that the country has begun a "new and important" cycle of recovery and growth. "All the indicators of our economy show this clearly," he affirmed.

The President presented a series of headlines published in large circulation newspapers with favorable figures on the economy. He particularly highlighted the growth in the number of formal jobs in the country - over nine million in the last six months, according to data from the Ministry of Labor.

The President also celebrated the recent results in the growth rates of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "They surprised everyone, especially when compared with the rates of recent years, leaving no doubt about the enormous recovery capacity of our economy when administered with responsibility and firmness."

Lula cautioned, however, that the positive results in the economy "in no way" signify that all the country's problems have been overcome.

Lula reiterated the commitment he assumed when he took office, to succeed in guaranteeing the country's growth in a sustainable fashion, with inflation under control. In the President's evaluation, the thermometers that indicate a "solid and lasting" resumption of economic growth are chiefly the increase in sales in commerce, industry, and retail trade, as well as exports.

The President placed special emphasis on Brazil's victory in the World Trade Organization (WTO), in which the developed countries promised the poorer nations to implement reductions in agricultural subsidies. According to Lula, the country was able to win international respect and admiration in the diplomatic negotiations, thanks to its balanced approach and ability to muster and unite a significant number of developing countries in the negotiations with the wealthier nations.

In the President's opinion, exportation is essential for the country to obtain financial resources and, mainly, to protect the domestic economy from fluctuations in the global market. Exports and the variety of products offered by the Brazilian market also, in Lula's assessment, provide the country the certainty that Brazil is mastering new technologies.

Lula pointed out that Brazil is currently the world's largest exporter of beef, chicken, sugar, coffee, orange juice, and grains, among other products. According to the President, the industrial policy determined by the Brazilian government was the result of the process of export growth. "We can grow much more, but, to do this, we have to become increasingly efficient and competitive," he said.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Gabriela Guerreiro
Translator: David Silberstein
08/16/2004