Brasília, December 5, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The minister of Planning, Budget, and Management, Guilherme Dias, took part in the opening today of the XVIII National Forum of Secretaries of Administration, in this capital. The gathering will discuss the National Program to Help Modernize Management and Planning in the Federal Districts and the States (PNAGE).

According to the minister, "the PNAGE is an instrument to modernize the machine that controls public spending." The total cost of the program, which will be financed by the Federal Savings Bank, is US$ 310 million. The PNAGE is intended to help the states and Federal District improve their management tools in order to respond more adequately to public demands.

During the meeting, which ends tomorrow, the secretaries of Administration will also discuss such questions as administrative reform and property management. (DAS)