Porto Alegre, 12/26/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The economy of the state of Rio Grande do Sul grew 4.7% in 2003, according to estimates by the state Foundation of Economy and Statistics (FEE). That would bring the state's GDP to R$130.7 billion.

FEE also says that per capita income rose 3.6%, to R$12,400. With those results, the state was above the national average in growth. It is estimated that Rio Grande do Sul is responsible for 8.7% of total Brazilian GDP.

Rio Grande do Sul growth was boosted by strong performance in agriculture, which grew 18.5%. The industrial sector was up 2.9%, and services up 1.7%. (AB)