Brasília, 29/8/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Following a four-hour meeting with his cabinet regarding the 2004 budget, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he is optimistic about the budget and the economy for next year. According to a note from the Palacio do Planalto, Lula believes next year is going to be a good year. "There is optimistic because revenue could increase with expanding economic growth. That will make it possible for the government to do more than planned initially," said the note.

During the meeting, minister of Planning, Guido Mantega, presented the final text of the budget and reported on the government's Multi-Year Plan (Plano Plurianual) (PPA) 2004-2007, both of which go to Congress today. Priority areas in the budget are social programs, infrastructure and security.

The 2004 budget forecast is for revenue of R$402 billion, an increase of 5% over 2003. (AB)