Brasília, 2/11/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The National Industrial Confederation (Confederação Nacional da Indústria) (CNI) reports that sector growth was 0.53% in 2003, compared to 1.88% in 2002.

The CNI says that industrial sector growth of 3% to 4% this year would be ideal, but that there will probably not be equal growth in employment.

The CNI says that the interruption in interest rate reductions was detrimental to the economy and calls on the Monetary Policy Committee to promote renewed interest rate reductions. (AB)