Rio, November 29, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The best alternative to high interest rates, to combat inflation, is the offer of consumer goods to society through the injection of resources in small enterprise, because it is labor-intensive, without, however, abandoning large-scale projects. This proposal was made yesterday (28), in the Rio de Janeiro Commercial Association, by the vice-president-elect, José Alencar.

He called for a return to the trade balance surplus of nearly US$ 18 billion obtained by Brazil in the past, because the country has the potential to achieve US$ 20 - 22 billion. "If this happens, we can begin to reduce interest rates more effectively and, consequently, resume development without inflation. The surplus registered so far is an excellent sign for economic recovery in 2003," he declared. (DAS)