Curitiba, March 1, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - At 7:30 P.M., yesterday (29), the Minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, attended an international meeting in Foz do Iguaçu on soybean research, processing, and the agroindustrial complex involved in soybean production. Three parallel encounters will deal with the current situation of soybeans; global perspectives; and transgenics, among other themes.

According to the president of the event, Flávio Moscardi, this is the first time that representatives of 47 countries are gathered together at the same time and place in Brazil for an exchange of ideas and the establishment of international partnerships, which confirms the scientific and technological evolution attained by Brazil in a short time. Brazil is currently the world's second largest producer of soybeans and first in exports.

Around 1,500 participants are expected to participate in the event, which will continue through March 5 in the Bourbon Hotel. (DAS)