São Paulo, November 29, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The world president of the Santander Bank, Emílio Botin, informed today that the bank intends to maintain its credit lines for foreign trade, with a projected total value of US$ 2 billion for next year. He met with president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to whom he again offered complete collaboration with the new administration.

The Spanish banker said that he manifested his optimism about the future of the Brazilian economy. In a note to the press, he affirmed: "Brazil is entering a new phase. I am certain that the new president, with the confidence that the approval of the majority of the Brazilian people gives him, will know how to combine a balanced and responsible economic policy with his program of social improvements."

The banker also underscored the solidity and vigor of the Brazilian banking system,"whose strength is a guarantee of stability for the country. It is a modern system with solvent, well capitalized institutions." (DAS)