Rio, September 29, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) wants to induce a process of connection between the country's research centers and the productive chain of medical inputs and equipment, in order to reduce Brazil's trade balance deficit in this sector, estimated at around US$ 4 billion this year. The idea is to offer the institution's normal credit lines to stimulate import substitution, enabling Brazil to become an exporter.

For the purpose of organizing a national policy to support the sector, the Bank is holding the II Seminar on the Health Industry Complex: Medical Inputs and Equipment, at its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, from September 29 to October 1.

According to data provided by the BNDEs, Brazil used to be more self-sufficient in this area, although imports were always surpassed domestic production. At the end of the '80's, the deficit amounted to US$ 700 million, a sum which, after 13 years, has grown to the US$ 4 billion projected for this year.

Throughout the world the market for health-related products is responsible for a turnover of around US$ 120 billion, 45% of which is dominated by the United States. The BNDES considers that Brazil lacks a policy of incentives for this industrial sector, made up of 400 firms, which provide direct employment to around 33 thousand people.

Brazil's production of health materials, encompassing textile products, electro-electronic equipment, chemical products, metallurgical products, furniture, and footware, among others, totals US$ 1.4 billion.

During the seminar, the BNDES will encourage entrepreneurs in health-related sectors to use the Bank's most recent financial tool, the BNDES Card, the purpose of which is to make financing available for the purchase of equipment and inputs through the Bank's computer site. The card is especially intended to make it easier for small firms to obtain credit from the Bank. (DAS)