Brasília, 12/11/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Planning, Guido Mantega, says that the economy should close out the last quarter with growth of between 2.5% and 3%. "This is excellent news. The growth will extend into the first and second quarters of next year. We are on the growth road," said the minister.

Mantega pointed out that the GDP growth target for next year is between 3.5% to 4%, and that the primary surplus target remains 4.25% of GDP, which will keep interest rates down and the budget balanced. "With interest rates down and an increase in private sector investments, we will have some funds for expenditures next year. All that means growth and more revenue for the government," concluded Mantega. (AB)