Rio, November 14, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - "Brazil is living an excellent moment, with great opportunities, credibility, and falling risk premiums," the Minister of Development, Luiz Fernando Furlan, affirmed yesterday (13).

Participating in a seminar at the National Economic and Social Development Bank, he expressed optimism over the drop in Brazil's country risk premium. "I continue to bet on the 400 point level. Minister Palocci and I already have a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator awaiting the 400 points. I hope it happens soon."

Furlan called for more daring on the part of entrepreneurs and the government itself in order to achieve development targets. "With the economic stability phase consolidated, it is time to give priority to development, production, and employment," he assured. (DAS)