Brasília/New Delhi - On his third day in India, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened a seminar entitled: "Brazil-India - Sustainable Development: Perspectives and Possibilities." In his speech, Lula declared that he did not believe it was possible to grow without an equitable income distribution. He pointed out that between 1930 and 1980, when Brazil was the country that grew the most in the world, there was no poverty reduction. He added that his administration intended to promote growth with a transfer of wealth.

Lula told the audience about the Brazilian government program that assists needy families (Bolsa Family). At the moment it assists 3.6 million families, and by 2006 it will reach 11 million families. The program will reduce hunger in Brazil, said the president. (AB)