Brasília, March 18, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Minister of Labor, Ricardo Berzoini, announced today that 139 thousand jobs were created in February. This is the best monthly result recorded by the Ministry's General Register of Employed and Unemployed Individuals (Caged) since 1992. These new jobs, together with the 100 thousand positions created in January, add up to a positive total of 239 new jobs in 2004. According to the Minister, these numbers demonstrate that the Brazilian economy is doing well and that the outlook is for "a good year for the labor market."

The Minister informed that, even though February is a month with fewer business days, the manufacturing sector alone generated 38 thousand jobs. "This means that Brazilian industry is optimistic and is betting on growth prospects for exports and the internal market, as well," the Minister emphasized.

The Minister of Labor also informed that the government is determined to concede a minimum wage hike that improves purchasing power and is consistent with the budget. According to Berzoini, a readjustment greater than the rate of inflation is the goal of all governments, but "this can only be accomplished with fiscal responsibility."

Translator: David Silberstein