Brasília, November 11, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The country's cumulative growth can attain 18.1% through 2007, with rates of 3.5% in 2004, reaching 5% in 2007. This estimate was presented today by the Minister of Planning, Budget, and Management, Guido Mantega, in the Senate Commission on Infrastructure, where he participated in a public hearing on the 2003/2007 Pluriannual Plan.

The Minister said he believes that the growth forecast for the 2003/2007 period can generate 7.8 million jobs. This will resolve "a crucial question of the Brazilian economy, which has a high level of unemployment," he affirmed. As regards the rate of inflation, the Minister predicts stabilization at 9.1% this year and 4% in 2007. (DAS)