Mylena Fiori
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, says he is in favor of allowing the participation of Mercosur partner-country companies in government procurement proceses in Brazil. Amorim said the measure could give small countries, such as Uruguay, a boost. "Brazil can use the purchasing power of its state-run enterprises to assist in the development of our partners, especially the smaller ones," said the minister.

Amorim said it was in Brazil's interest to have its neighbors growing and its borders open to legitimate business and travel. "We have to ensure that the benefits of integration reach our smaller partners," he said.

Amorim made his remarks during a meeting with the new Argentine minister of Foreign Relations and Trade, Jorge Taiana, who was in Brasilia making preparations for a state visit by the president of Argentina, Nestor Kirchner, that begins on January 18.

Translation: Allen Bennett