Brasilia, 6/23/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - On Friday, during president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's visit to Washington, Brazil and the US created a Development Work Group which will seek to boost productivity in both countries, reduce bottlenecks, expand the small business sector, increase credit and promote commerce, besides strengthening domestic competitivity and infrastructure.

In a note to the media, minister of Finance, Antonio Palocci, explained that the group would work to benefit not only Brazil and the US, but the rest of the continent, as well. (AB)