Brasília, 8/21/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - According to minister of Planning, Guido Mantega, there are reasons to commemorate the reduction of 2.5 percentage points in the basic interest, the Selic, which went from 24.5% to 22% per year. "The Central Bank's Copom went beyond market expectations. They gave us a pleasant surprise," said the minister.

Mantega added that the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) decision will make it possible for the government to work with a descending interest rate curve aimed at boosting renewed investment and economic growth. (AB)