Rio, 13 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Planning, Guilherme Dias, informed that the 1993/2001 period was characterized by the creation of 8.9 million jobs. He explained that as a result of the growth in the economically active population (PEA) and in job offers, the unemployed population increased 3.4 million. This is the correct and transparent figure, the minister asserted. "Whoever wants to question this figure, can, but they shouldn't make up false figures," Dias told participants at an international seminar sponsored by the BNDES.

The minister of Planning explained that this growth in the PEA exerts pressure on the unemployment rate, especially in the context of the economy's 2.5% rate of rate during the same period. He recalled, however, that when one reflects over a longer period, this demographic phenomenon will, for statistical reasons, exert less pressure on the labor market in the next 10, 15, 20 years. (DAS)